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Abstract:

A data input device and method are provided. The data input device
provides an input module, which may be applied to electronic devices or
portable terminals, consisting of a number of separation pairs, and the
input module includes a number of A separated indication positions and a
number of B separated indication positions which are disposed as each A-B
type based on a predetermined separation reference line, in two sides,
that is, an A separated segment and a B separated segment which are
ambilaterally divided based on the separation reference line, so that a
data input may be individually or continuously performed by means of an
input selection to the one or more separated indication positions.

Claims:

1. A data input device comprising: at least one input module which is
provided to a base so as to input a data; a memory unit which stores the
data assigned to an input signal inputted in the input module; and a
control unit which extracts the data assigned to a corresponding input
from the memory unit when the input is made in the input module and then
processes the extracted data; where in, characterized in that the input
module has two sides, that is, an A separated segment and a B separated
segment which are divided based on one separation reference line passing
through the separation reference point which is a reference position
within a contact area of one finger, the A separated segment has a number
of A separated indication positions, the B separated segment has a number
of B separated indication positions, a number of A-B type separation
pairs are disposed by each one pair along the separation reference line
as the array of an A-B type in which the A separated indication positions
and the B separated indication positions are corresponded each other as a
face-to-face type based on the separation reference line, an input
reference block is formed in such a way that three A-B type separation
pairs among the separation pairs are continuously arranged in the left,
middle, and right around the separation reference point, the three A-B
type separation pairs of the input reference block are positioned within
the rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a thumb tip, and
the positions of the three A-B type separation pairs are recognized as
the positions of a left-middle-right type around the middle of a
fingerprint region of a finger, an input by means of an individual
selection or a continuous selection to one or more separated indication
positions among the separation pairs is sensed, and an input signal
corresponding to the input is generated.

2. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input module
comprises a separation sensing unit which senses a signal when an input
is made.

3. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input in the
input module is performed by means of a separation input or a pair input.

4. The data input device using A-B type separation pairs according to
claim 3, wherein the separation input is performed in such a way that any
one separated indication position among the separation pairs is selected,
and then the data assigned to the corresponding separated indication
position is inputted.

5. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the pair input is
performed in such a way that an A separated indication position and a B
separated indication position of A-B separated indication position of any
one pair among the separation pairs are selected together, and then new
data which is different from the data assigned to the corresponding
separated indication positions is inputted.

6. The data input device according to claim 2, wherein the separation
sensing unit is provided so as to comprise any one of a pressure sensor
or a tactile sensor, or to comprise a touch pad or a touch screen.

7. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input module
comprises an inputtable panel which is formed so that each separated
indication position of the separation pairs is selected at the time of
input, and is provided as a detachable type.

6. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein, in the input
module, when one or more A-B type separation pairs is further disposed
outside the input reference block, an input selecting position of each
separated indication position of the separation pair disposed outside the
input reference block is recognized as each A-B type selecting position
of the left or right of the input reference block based on the input
reference block on which a finger is positioned, and each of the A-B type
selecting positions is recognized as a forward-backward type of the A
separated segment direction and the B separated segment direction based
on the separation reference line.

9. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input module
is provided so that a continuous signals of two or more times is
generated according to a strength difference between applied pressures at
the time of input selection.

10. The data input device according to claim 5, wherein, in the pair
input, when A separated indication position and B separated indication
positions of an A-B separated indication position of any one pair among
the separation pairs fail to make simultaneous contact with a sensing
sensor, the control unit judges and determines two sequential signals as
a pair input based on a preset time value and then processes the input.

11. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the input in the
input module further comprises a separation pair combining input in which
a separation input and a pair input are combined, and the separation pair
combining input is performed in such a way that the separation input
individually selecting any one separated indication position among the
separation pairs and the pair input selecting together an A separated
indication position and a B separated indication position of A-B
separated indication position of any one pair among the separation pairs
are sequentially combined with each other, so that new data different
from the data assigned to the corresponding separated indication position
is processed of input.

12. The data input device according to claim 11, wherein, in the
separation pair combining input, when the order of input operation of the
separation input and the pair input are different from each other, the
control unit judges and determines an input signal from a signal sensed
at the time of each input, and then processes the input of different data
assigned to each of the corresponding inputs.

13. The data input device according to claim 11, wherein, in the
separation pair combining input, when any one separated indication
position at one separation pair among the separation pairs is selected in
an overlapping manner and three signals are generated, the control unit
judges whether the separation pair combining input is performed by a pair
input after a separation input or by a separation input after a pair
input from the three signals, and distinguishes inputting order of the
inputs, and then processes the input of data assigned to the
corresponding input.

14. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input module
further comprises one or more input selecting segments which is formed at
the upper side of the input module so that the position corresponding to
each separated indication position of the separation pairs is selected at
the time of input.

15. The data input device according to claim 14, wherein one or more
separating grooves or separating lines of a protrusion type is formed in
the input selecting segment, and the input selecting segment is divided
as the left-middle-right type of the input selecting segment by means of
the separating grooves or the separating lines based on the middle of the
input reference block provided in the input module.

16. The data input device according to claim 15, wherein the separating
grooves or the separating lines are wholly or partially formed in any one
or more shapes of a straight line, a curve, or a wavy pattern, and is
wholly or partially provided in a symmetric or asymmetric type.

17. The data input device according to claim 14, wherein the input
selecting segment is provided to the input module as a separated
protuberance or a protruding frame types.

18. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input module
is comprised in a holding type interface which is provided to a holder
contacted with and separated from the base, a detachable type interface
which is provided in a form coupled with and decoupled from the base, a
wired type interface which is connected with the wire to the base, or a
wireless type interface which is wirelessly connected to the base
providing a display unit.

19. The data input device according to claim 18, wherein one or more side
keys or function keys is further comprised at the predetermined position
of each of the interfaces.

20. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the input in the
input module further comprises a pair alternating input, and the pair
alternating input is performed in such a way that an A separated
indication position and a B separated indication position of an A-B
separated indication position of any one pair among the separation pairs
are continuously selected in a sequential manner, or, conversely, the B
separated indication position and the A separated indication position are
continuously selected in a sequential manner, so that a data input is
performed.

21. The data input device according to claim 20, wherein, in the pair
alternating input, two input signals which are generated by means of the
order of the alternating input operation of the A separated indication
position and the B separated indication position of one pair among the
separation pairs are processed of input as the data that are respectively
different from each other.

22. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein a touch sensing
unit for sensing contact of a finger is further provided on the upper
side of the input module selecting each of the separated indication
positions, and the touch sensing unit generates an input signal in
response to a contact of a finger with each of the separated indication
positions.

23. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein two or more input
modules are provided at the predetermined position in the base.

24. The data input device according to claim 11, wherein the two input
modules are provided at the predetermined position in the base, and, in
the two input modules, any one or more inputs among the input by means of
a separation input, a pair input, or a separation pair combining input is
composed so as to perform identically with each other or to perform
differently from each other.

25. The data input device according to claim 24, wherein, in the input
module, different functions are respectively assigned to any one or more
among the separation input, the pair input, or the separation pair
combining input, so that a data input is performed.

26. The data input device according to claim 1, wherein the input module
is formed in any one among a flat panel shape, a polygon, an oval, a
hemisphere shape, a whole circle, or a partial circle, or in a combining
type of the one or more shapes among the above-mentioned shapes.

27. The data input device according to claim 26, wherein the input module
further comprises any one among a separating groove, a separating line, a
separated protuberance, or a protruding frame to each of the shapes.

28. A data input device comprising: at least one input module which is
provided to a base so as to input a data; a memory unit which stores the
data assigned to an input signal inputted in the input module; and a
control unit which extracts the data assigned to a corresponding input
from the memory unit when the input is made in the input module and when
processes the extracted data; where in, characterized in that the input
module has two sides, that is, an A separated segment and a B separated
segment which are divided based on one separation reference line passing
through the separation reference point which is a reference position
within a contact area of one finger, the A separated segment has four A
separated indication positions, the B separated segment has four B
separated indication positions, four A-B type separation pairs are
disposed by each one pair along the separation reference line as the
array of an A-B type in which the A separated indication positions and
the B separated indication positions are corresponded each other as a
face-to-face type based on the separation reference line, an input
reference block is formed in such a way that three A-B type separation
pairs among the separation pairs are continuously arranged in the left,
middle, and right around the separation reference point, the three A-B
type separation pairs of the input reference block are positioned within
the rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a thumb tip, and
the positions of the three A-B type separation pairs are recognized as
the positions of a left-middle-right type around the middle of a
fingerprint region of a finger, and moreover, the input selecting
positions of a separation pair disposed outside the input reference block
is recognized as the position of each A-B type separation pair of the
left or right of the input reference block based on the input reference
block, an input by means of an individual selection or a continuous
selection to one or more separated indication positions among the
separation pairs is sensed, and an input signal corresponding to the
input is generated.

29. A data input device comprising: an input module which is provided to
a base so as to input a data and has an input unit for performing an
input as well as a separation sensing unit for generating a corresponding
input signal when the input is made; a memory unit which stores the data
assigned to an input signal inputted in the input module; and a control
unit which extracts the data assigned to a corresponding input from the
memory unit when the input is made in the input module and then processes
the extracted data; where in, characterized in that the input unit has
two sides, that is, an A separated segment and a B separated segment
which are divided based on one separation reference line passing through
the separation reference point which is a reference position within a
contact area of one finger, the A separated segment has a number of A
separated indication positions, the B separated segment has a number of B
separated indication positions, a number of A-B type separation pairs are
disposed by each one pair along the separation reference line as the
array of an A-B type in which the A separated indication positions and
the B separated indication positions are corresponded each other as a
face-to-face type based on the separation reference line, an input
reference block is formed in such a way that three A-B type separation
pairs among the separation pairs are continuously arranged in the left,
middle, and right around the separation reference point, the three A-B
type separation pairs of the input reference block are positioned within
the rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a thumb tip, and
the positions of the three A-B type separation pairs are recognized as
the positions of a left-middle-right type around the middle of a
fingerprint region of a finger, an input by means of an individual
selection or a continuous selection to one or more separated indication
positions among the separation pairs is sensed, and an input signal
corresponding to the input is generated.

30. A data input device comprising: two input modules which are provided
to a base so as to input a date; a memory unit which stores the data
assigned to an input signal inputted in each of the input modules; and a
control unit which extracts the data assigned to a corresponding input
from the memory unit when the input is made in each of the input modules
and then processes the extracted data; where in, characterized in that
each of the input modules has two sides, that is, an A separated segment
and a B separated segment which are divided based on one separation
reference line passing through the separation reference point which is a
reference position within a contact area of one finger, the A separated
segment has a number of A separated indication positions, the B separated
segment has a number of B separated indication positions, a number of A-B
type separation pairs are disposed by each one pair along the separation
reference line as the array of an A-B type in which the A separated
indication positions and the B separated indication positions are
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the separation
reference line, an input reference block is formed in such a way that
three A-B type separation pairs among the separation pairs are
continuously arranged in the left, middle, and right around the
separation reference point, the three A-B type separation pairs of the
input reference block are positioned within the rolling movement range of
a fingerprint region of a thumb tip, and the positions of the three A-B
type separation pairs are recognized as the positions of a
left-middle-right type around the middle of a fingerprint region of a
finger, an input by means of an individual selection or a continuous
selection to one or more separated indication positions among the
separation pairs is sensed, and an input signal corresponding to the
input is generated.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a data input device and method,
wherein a number of separation pairs corresponding to input selecting
positions of an input unit are respectively disposed as an A-B type based
on one separation reference line, so that a data input is individually or
continuously performed by means of an input selection to one or more
separated indication positions among the separation pairs.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recently, electronic devices or portable terminals tend to be
further miniaturized and handheld computerized due to a rapid development
of hardware and software such as semi-conductor technologies, information
processing technologies, communication technologies, etc. Therefore, a
data input in various kinds of electronic devices or portable terminals
gradually becomes more important. However, input devices in these
electronic devices or portable terminals have some problems of inputting
various kinds of data. For example, a keyboard type input device used in
a Personal Computer (PC), a Notebook, a Netbook, etc. has a limit to
reduce the size, so that there is a difficulty in miniaturization of the
size of the electronic devices.

[0003] In addition, an input device of a touch screen type used in a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Smart Phone, etc. has a difficulty in
performing works requiring fast speed because its input speed is slow
when various kinds of data are inputted during office work, web work,
games, etc.

[0004] Furthermore electronic devices or portable terminals use a certain
part of the screen in a display unit as an input interface at the time of
input. Therefore, workability on the display unit screen becomes lower,
which causes inconvenience.

[0005] Moreover, it is not easy that as soon as a finger is put on an
input unit or an input surface of cellular phones, portable terminals,
etc., whole input selecting positions of each input key or input button
are recognized through a fingertip, so that users feel difficulty in
easily and quickly performing a continuous input operation at the time of
input.

[0006] Besides, when one phoneme or data input is performed in an input
device through an one-time input operation, Hangeul, that is, the Korean
alphabet, requires more than twenty four input keys or buttons for
inputting characters to be arranged on the input device, English does
more than twenty six input keys or buttons, and Japanese or other
languages does input keys or buttons more than Hangeul or English. In
addition, as miniaturized electronic devices or portable terminals are
advancing to handheld POs, the electronic devices or portable terminals
are increasingly demanded to have an input device which can input all the
data of a conventional keyboard including characters, a variety of
command keys such as Enter key, Space key, Shift key, Conversion key,
etc., function keys (F keys), special keys, specific function keys,
symbols, etc. Furthermore, the electronic devices or portable terminals,
which are remarkably advancing day by day, are facing a more important
problem in which a display unit screen and a configuration of an input
device are in proper harmony together while at the same time size
adjustment and disposition are achieved. Specifically, although it is
preferred that small electronic devices or portable terminals, which are
relatively smaller than fixed type electronic devices, configure a
display unit screen to be larger as users increasingly make a demand for
a larger screen when using multimedia or video data, an input device
cannot be provided larger than a predetermined size so as to be suitable
for portability.

[0007] For this reason, conventional cellular phones or portable terminals
are so configured that finger-sized keys or buttons are arranged less
than the number in a predetermined formation such as 4×3 or
5×3, etc., and a number of data of Hangeul, English, or other
languages are respectively assigned to the input keys or buttons in an
overlapping manner, so that users can input a data by repeatedly
selecting a corresponding input key several times when inputting desired
data.

[0008] For example, input methods such as Cheon-Ji-In Hangeul, EZ Hangeul,
SKY Hangeul, etc. are developed and used. However, the Cheon-Ji-In
Hangeul input method has an advantage that reduces the number of input
buttons to which data are assigned because desired data are generated by
means of a combination of predetermined basic data, and, conversely, a
disadvantage that increases input time and typing errors according to a
lengthened moving line because a data input is performed not by means of
an input operation having a short moving line in a state in which whole
input selecting positions are respectively recognized at the time of data
input, but by means of an input operation continuously moving a finger to
each corresponding input button among a number of the input buttons
untouched to a finger.

[0009] In addition, although there has been suggested an input method
technique such as a keyboard which can be carried with being rolled up or
folded, this input device always carried, thereby causing great
inconvenience.

[0010] Moreover, there has been suggested an input method technique such
as a virtual keyboard performing an input by projecting a keyboard Image
onto the position of a predetermined space and sensing input operations
of fingers on the image in a three-dimensional way.

[0011] However, these kinds of input devices can perform a data input in a
predetermined space or designated position only, thereby having a
difficulty in being applied to mobile electronic devices which can
perform an input work at anytime and anywhere.

[0012] As described above, electronic devices or portable terminals are
required to make input devices to be more miniaturized or compact so as
to be used more conveniently while in motion, and the needs of users to
portability and convenience is more and more getting increasing. In other
words, there is a growing demand of the input device which can use a
whole screen of a display unit better and input the desired data more
easily and quickly at the time of input.

[0013] Considering such a situation, the electronic devices or portable
terminals are required to configure an input device providing an input
unit in which en input surface having a number of input selecting
positions is recognized as one input unit, and the whole input selecting
positions are recognized around the middle of a fingertip when a finger
is put on the input unit, so that each of the input selecting positions
can be individually or continuously selected in an easy and quick manner
by means of a short input moving line of a finger and an input operation
according to the position recognition at the time of input.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

[0014] Accordingly, the task of the invention is to provide a data input
device and method which provides an input module applicable to electronic
devices or portable terminals, wherein, the input module is so configured
as to provide a number of separation pairs which are disposed as an array
of A-B type pairs in which a number of A separated indication positions
in an A separated segment and a number of B separated indication
positions in a B separated segment are separated from and corresponded
each other as a face-to-face type based on a separation reference line,
in the two sides, that is, the A separated segment and the B separated
segment which are ambilaterally divided based on a separation reference
point and the separation reference line, and include an input reference
block having three separation pairs which are continuously and adjacently
arranged as a left-middle-right type around the separation reference
point, so that the input reference block is positioned within the rolling
movement range of a fingerprint region of a fingertip and the position of
each separation pair of the input reference block is recognized as the
positions of a left-middle-right type around the middle of a fingertip,
while at the same time the input reference block is recognized as one
input block type as soon as a finger is put on the input reference block,
so that the input selecting positions disposed outside the input
reference block is recognized as the position of each A-B type of the
left or right of the input reference block based on the input reference
block, and thus, each of the input selecting positions can be
individually or continuously selected in an easy and quick manner by
means of a short moving line of a finger and an familiar input operation
according to the position recognition at the time of input.

Technical Solution

[0015] In order to accomplish the above task, a data input device 1
according to an aspect of the invention includes an input module which is
provided to a base, wherein the input module includes a number of A-B
type separation pairs which are disposed by each one pair along a
separation reference line as an array of A-B separated indication
positions in which a number of A separated indication positions in an A
separated segment and a number of B separated indication positions in a B
separated segment are separated from and corresponded each other as a
face-to-face type based on the separation reference line, in the two
sides, that is, the A separated segment and the B separated segment which
are ambilaterally divided from the separation reference line based on a
separation reference point which is a reference position within a contact
area of a finger as well as the one separation reference line passing
through the separation reference point, and the input module includes an
input reference block in which three A-B type separation pairs are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point, so that an input by means of an
individual or continuous selection to one or more separated indication
positions among the separation pairs is sensed and an input signal
corresponding to the input by means of an individual or continuous
selection is generated; and a control unit which judges and distinguishes
between the input by means of an individual selection and the input by
means of a continuous selection from the input signal, and then extracts
the data assigned to the distinguished input signal from a memory unit
and processes the input, characterized in that the three A-B type
separation pairs of the input reference block are positioned within the
rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a thumb tip and the
position of each separation pair of the input reference block is
recognized as the position of a left-middle-right type around the middle
of a fingertip, while at the same time the three A-B type separation
pairs of the input reference block are recognized as one input block type
in a fingerprint region of a thumb tip when a finger is put on the input
reference block, so that the input selecting positions of a separation
pair disposed outside the input reference block is recognized as the
position of each A-B type separation pair of the left or right of the
input reference block used on the input reference block, and thus, a data
input is individually or continuously performed.

[0016] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the input module includes a separation sensing unit for sensing a
signal at the time of input.

[0017] The input in the input module according to the invention is
characterized in that the input is performed by means of a separation
input or a pair input.

[0018] The separation input according to the invention is characterize in
that the separation input is performed in such a way that any one
separated indication position among the separation pairs is selected, and
then the data assigned to the corresponding separated indication position
is inputted.

[0019] The pair input according to the invention is characterized in that
the pair input is performed in such a way that an A separated indication
position and a B separated indication position of A-B separated
indication position of any one pair among the separation pairs are
selected together, and then new data which is different from the data
assigned to the corresponding separated indication positions is inputted.

[0020] The separation sensing unit according to the invention is
characterized in that the separation sensing unit is provided so as to
comprise any one of a pressure sensor or a tactile sensor, or to comprise
a touch pad or a touch screen.

[0021] The input module according to the invention characterized in that
the input module is provided so as to comprise an inputtable panel which
is formed so that each separated indication position of the separation
pairs is selected at the time of input, and is provided as a detachable
type.

[0022] The input module in the input module according to the invention is
characterized in that, when one or more A-B type separation pairs is
further disposed outside the input reference block, an input selecting
position of each separated indication position of the separation pair
disposed outside the input reference block is recognized as each A-B type
selecting position of the left or right of the input reference block
based on the input reference block on which a finger is positioned, and
each of the A-B type selecting positions is recognized as a
forward-backward type of the A separated segment direction and the B
separated segment direction based on the separation reference line.

[0023] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the input module is provided so that a continuous signals of two or
more times is generated according to a strength difference between
applied pressures at the time of input selection.

[0024] The pair input according to the invention is characterized in that,
in the pair input, when A separated indication position and B separated
indication positions of an A-B separated indication position of any one
pair among the separation pairs fail to make simultaneous contact with a
sensing sensor, the control unit judges and determines two sequential
signals as a pair input based on a preset time value and then processes
the input.

[0025] The input in the input module according to the invention is
characterized in that the input in the input module further comprises a
separation pair combining input in which a separation input and a pair
input are combined, and the separation pair combining input is performed
in such a way that the separation input individually selecting any one
separated indication position among the separation pairs and the pair
input selecting together an A separated indication position and a B
separated indication position of A-B separated indication position of any
one pair among the separation pairs are sequentially combined with each
other, so that new data different from the data assigned to the
corresponding separated indication position is processed of input.

[0026] The separation pair combining input in the input module according
to the invention is characterized in that, when the order of input
operation of the separation input and the pair input are different from
each other, the control unit judges and determines an input signal from a
signal sensed at the time of each input, and then processes the input of
different data assigned to each of the corresponding inputs.

[0027] The separation pair combining input of the input module according
to the invention is characterized in that, in the separation pair
combining input, when any one separated indication position at one
separation pair among the separation pairs is selected in an overlapping
manner and three signals are generated, the control unit judges whether
the separation pair combining input is performed by a pair input after a
separation input or by a separation input after a pair input from the
three signals, and distinguishes inputting order of the inputs, and then
processes the input of data assigned to the corresponding input.

[0028] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the input module further comprises one or more input selecting
segments which is formed at the upper side of the input module so that
the position corresponding to each separated indication position of the
separation pairs is selected at the time of input.

[0029] The input selecting segment of the input module according to the
invention are characterized in that one or more separating grooves or
separating lines of a protrusion type is formed in the input selecting
segment, and the input selecting segment is divided as the
left-middle-right type of the input selecting segment by means of the
separating grooves or the separating lines based on the middle of the
input reference block provided in the input module.

[0030] The separating groove or the separating line of the input module
according to the invention is characterized in that the separating
grooves or the separating lines are wholly or partially formed in any one
or more shapes of a straight line, a curve, or a wavy pattern, and is
wholly or partially provided in a symmetric or asymmetric type.

[0031] The input selecting segment of the input module according to the
invention is characterized in that the input selecting segment is
provided to the input module as a separated protuberance or a protruding
frame types.

[0032] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the input module is comprised in a holding type interface which is
provided to a holder contacted with and separated from the base, a
detachable type interface which is provided in a form coupled with and
decoupled from the base, a wired type interface which is connected with
the wire to the base, or a wireless type interface which is wirelessly
connected to the base providing a display unit.

[0033] Each of the interfaces according to the invention is characterized
in that one or more side keys or function keys is further comprised at
the predetermined position of the interface of each.

[0034] The input in the input module according to the invention is
characterized in that the input the input module further comprises a pair
alternating input, and the pair alternating input is performed in such a
way that an A separated indication position and a B separated indication
position of an A-B separated indication position of any one pair among
the separation pairs are continuously selected in a sequential manner,
or, conversely, the B separated indication position and the A separated
indication position are continuously selected in a sequential manner, so
that a data input is performed.

[0035] The pair alternating input in the input module according to the
invention is characterized in that, in the pair alternating input, two
input signals which are generated by means of the order of the
alternating input operation of the A separated indication position and
the B separated indication position of one pair among separation pairs
are processed of input as the data that are respectively different from
each other.

[0036] The input module according to the invention characterized in that a
touch sensing unit for sensing contact of a finger contact is further
provided on the upper side of the input module selecting each of the
separated indication positions, and touch sensing unit generates an input
signal in response to a contact of a finder contact with each of the
separated indication positions.

[0037] A data input device according to another aspect of the invention
includes an input module which is provided to a base, wherein the input
module includes four A-B type separation pairs which are disposed by each
one pair along a separation reference line as an array of A-B separated
indication positions in which four A separated indication positions in an
A separated segment and four B separated indication positions in a B
separated segment are separated from and corresponded each other as a
face-to-face type based on the separation reference line, in the two
sides, that is, the A separated segment and the B separated segment which
are ambilaterally divided from the separation reference line based on a
separation reference point which is a reference position within a contact
area of a finger as well as the one separation reference line passing
through the separation reference point, and the input module includes an
input reference block in which three A-B type separation pairs are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point, so that an input by means of an
individual or continuous selection to one or more separated indication
positions among the separation pairs is sensed and an input signal
corresponding to the input by means of an individual or continuous
selection is generated; and a control unit which judges and distinguishes
between the input by means of an individual selection and the input by
means of a continuous selection from the input signal, and then extracts
the data assigned to the distinguished input signal from a memory unit
and processes the input, characterized in that the three A-B type
separation pairs of the input reference block are positioned within the
rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a thumb tip and the
position of each separation pair of the input reference block is
recognized as the position of a left-middle-right type around the middle
of a fingertip, while at the same time the three A-B type separation
pairs of the input reference block are recognized as one input block type
in a fingerprint region of the thumb tip when a finger is put on the
input reference block, so that the input selecting positions of a
separation pair disposed outside the input reference block is recognized
as the position of each A-B type separation pair of the left or right of
the input reference block based on the input reference block, and thus, a
data input is individually or continuously performed.

[0038] A data input device according to further aspect of the invention
includes an input unit which is provided to a base, wherein the input
unit includes a number of A-B type separation pairs which are disposed by
each one pair along a separation reference line, as an array of A-B
separated indication positions in which a number of A separated
indication positions in an A separated segment and a number of B
separated indication positions in a B separated segment are separated
from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the
separation reference line, in the two sides, that is the A separated
segment and the B separated segment which are ambilaterally divided from
the separation reference line based on a separation reference point which
is a reference position within a contact area of a finger as well as the
one separation reference line passing through the separation reference
point, and the input module includes an input reference block in which
three A-B type separation pairs are continuously and adjacently arranged
as a left-middle-right type around the separation reference point; a
separation sensing unit which senses an input by means of an individual
or continuous selection to one or more separated indication positions
among the separation pairs and generates an input signal corresponding to
the input by means of an individual or continuous selection; and a
control unit which judges and distinguishes between the input by means of
an individual selection and the input by means of a continuous selection
from the input signal, and then extracts the data assigned to the
distinguished input signal from a memory unit and processes the input,
characterized in that the three A-B type separation pairs of the input
reference block are positioned within the rolling movement range of a
fingerprint region of a thumb tip and the position of each separation
pair of the input reference block is recognized as the position of a
left-middle-right type around the middle of a fingertip, while at the
same time the three A-B type separation pairs of the input reference
block are recognized as one input block type in a fingerprint region of a
thumb tip when a finger is put on the input reference block, so that the
input selecting positions of a separation pair disposed outside the put
reference block is recognized as the position of each A-B type separation
pair of the left or right of the input reference black based on the input
reference block, and thus, a data input is individually or continuously
performed.

[0039] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that two or more input modules are provided at the predetermined position
in the base.

[0040] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the two input modules a provide at the predetermined position in the
base, and, in the two input modules, any one or more inputs among the
input by means of a separation input, a pair input, or a separation pair
combining input is composed so as to perform identically with each other
or to perform differently from each other.

[0041] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that, in the input module, different functions are respectively assigned
to any one or more among the separation input, the pair input, or the
separation pair combining input, so that a data input is performed.

[0042] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the input module is formed in any one among a flat panel shape, a
polygon, an oval, a hemisphere shape, a whole circle, or a partial
circle, or in a combining type of the one or more shapes among the
above-mentioned shapes.

[0043] The input module according to the invention is characterized in
that the input module further comprises any one among a separating
groove, a separating line, a separated protuberance, or a protruding
frame to each of the shapes.

[0044] A data input device according to a still further aspect of the
invention includes two input modules which are provided to a base,
wherein each of the input modules includes a number of A-B type
separation pairs which are disposed by each one pair along a separation
reference line as an array of A-B separated indication positions in which
a number of A separated indication positions in an A separated segment
and a number of B separated indication positions in a B separated segment
are separated from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type
based on the separation reference line, in the two sides, that is, the A
separated segment and the B separated segment which are ambilaterally
divided from the separation reference line based on a separation
reference point which is a reference position within a contact area of a
finger as well as the one separation reference line passing through the
separation reference point, and each of the input modules includes an
input reference block in which three A-B type separation pairs are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point, so that an input by means of an
individual or continuous selection to one or more separated indication
positions among the separation pairs is sensed and an input signal
corresponding to the input by means of an individual or continuous
selection is generated; and a control unit which judges and distinguishes
between the input by means of an individual selection and the input by
means of a continuous selection from the input signal, and then extracts
the data assigned to the distinguished input signal from a memory unit
and processes the input, characterized in that the three A-B type
separation pairs of the input reference block are positioned within the
rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a thumb tip and the
position of each separation pair of the input reference block is
recognized as the position of a left-middle-right type around the middle
of a fingertip, while at the same time the three A-B type separation
pairs of the input reference block are recognized as one input block type
in a fingerprint region of the thumb tip when a finger put on the input
reference block, so that the input selecting positions of a separation
pair disposed outside the input reference block is recognized as the
position of each A-B type separation pair of the left or right of the
input reference block based on the input reference block, and thus, a
data input is individually or continuously performed.

Advantageous Effects

[0045] A data input device having the above-mentioned configuration
according to the invention has an advantage in which an input reference
block of the input module positioned within the rolling movement range of
a fingerprint region of a fingertip and the position of each separation
pair of the input reference block is recognized as the position of a
left-middle-right type around the middle of a fingertip, while at the
same time the input reference block is recognized as one input block type
as soon as a finger is put on the input reference block and an input
selecting positions disposed outside the input reference block is
recognized as the position of each A-B type separation pair of the left
or right of the input reference block based on the input reference block,
so that a data input cart be individually or continuously performed in an
easy and quick manner by means of a short moving line of a finger and a
familiar input operation according to the position recognition at the
time of input.

[0046] In addition, the invention has another advantage in which the input
module can become more miniaturized or compact in a size corresponding to
the width of the rolling movement range of a fingerprint region of a
thumb tip or in a size corresponding to the width of a thumb tip, and
thus, be applied to various kinds of electronic devices or portable
terminals as various forms so as to perform a data input.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exemplary view illustrating a separation reference
line or a separated indication positions according to the invention
provided in a variety of types.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portable terminal to
which a data input device according to the invention is applied.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of an input module providing a
number of A-B type separation pairs, in the data input device according
to the invention.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view illustrating a path of the rolling
movement of a fingerprint region of a fingertip as well as a contact
region of the input operation within the rolling movement range of a
finger according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating a case in which input
selecting positions are recognized based on the middle of an input
reference block when a finger is put on, and types of rolling movements
and input operations of a finger based on the recognition, in the input
module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the input reference block
which is provided to en input module or an input unit according to an
embodiment of the invention.

[0053] FIG. 7 is an exemplary view illustrating an input contact region of
a finger in each input selecting position of the input reference block
according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 8 is an exemplary view illustrating a type of an input
operation of a rolling movement of a finger moving to each of the input
selecting positions when a separation input is made, in the input
reference block according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] FIG. 9 is an exemplary view for explaining the separation input
which presses each of the input selecting positions by means of a rolling
movement of a finger around the middle of an input reference block
according to en embodiment of the invention.

[0056] FIG. 10 is an exemplary view illustrating types of input operations
of rolling movements of a finger during a separation input, a pair input,
and a pair alternating input according to various embodiments of the
invention.

[0057] FIG. 11 is an exemplary view for explaining each input operation of
a separation input, a pair input, a separation pair combining input, and
a pair alternating input according to various embodiments of the
invention.

[0058] FIG. 12 is an exemplary view for explaining the separation input in
various embodiments implemented based on the middle of the input
reference block according to the invention.

[0059]FIG. 13 is an exemplary view for explaining the pair input in
various embodiments implemented based on the middle of the input
reference block according to the invention.

[0060] FIG. 14 is an exemplary view for explaining the separation pair
combining input in various embodiments implemented based on the middle of
the input reference block according to the invention.

[0061] FIG. 15 is an exemplary view for explaining the pair alternating
input in various embodiments implemented based on the middle of the input
reference block according to the invention.

[0062] FIG. 16 is an exemplary view illustrating a data outputted
according to various embodiments according to the invention.

[0063] FIG. 17 is an exemplary view illustrating a data displayed and
assigned so as to be recognized based on the middle of the input
reference block, in the input modes of various embodiments according to
the invention.

[0064] FIG. 18 is an exemplary view illustrating a direction indication
data displayed and assigned so as to be recognized based on the middle of
the input reference block, in the input modes of various embodiments
according to the invention.

[0065] FIG. 19 is an exemplary view illustrating a data of Hangeul input
mode displayed and assigned so as to be recognized based on the middle of
each input reference block in two input modules according to the
invention.

[0066] FIG. 20 is an exemplary view illustrating a data of Hangeul input
mode displayed and assigned so as to be recognized based on the middle of
each of the input reference blocks when one A-B type separation pair is
further disposed outside each of the input reference blocks, in the two
input modules according to the invention.

[0067] FIG. 21 is an exemplary view illustrating a data of Japanese
characters input mode displayed and assigned so as to be recognized based
an the middle of each of the input reference blocks when one A-B type
separation pair is further disposed outside each of the input reference
blocks, in the two input modules according to the invention.

[0068] FIG. 22 is an exemplary view for explaining an input performed
around the middle of the input reference block in a multi-step layer
input mode among the input modes of various embodiments, in the input
reference block according to the invention.

[0069]FIG. 23 is an exemplary view for explaining an input performed
based on the middle of each of the input reference blocks in a multi-step
layer input mode among the input modes of various embodiments, in the two
input modules according to the invention.

[0070] FIG. 24 is an exemplary illustrating a data display segment
according to the invention displayed on electronic devices or portable
terminals in a variety of forms.

[0071] FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating various forms of
electronic devices or portable terminals to which the data input device
according to the invention is applied.

[0072] FIG. 26 is an exemplary view illustrating the input module or the
input unit provided in a variety of types according to the invention.

[0073] FIG. 27 is an exemplary view for explaining the input module or the
input unit provided as various forms according to the invention.

[0074] FIG. 28 is an exemplary view illustrating the input module or the
input unit provided to electronic devices or portable terminals in
various types of interfaces according to the invention.

BEST MODE

[0075] As the best mode of carrying out the invention, the invention
provides a data input device using A-B type separation pairs including an
input module 100 which is provided to a base 10, wherein the input module
100 includes a number of A-B type separation pairs 150 which are disposed
by each one pair along a separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B
separated indication positions in which a number of A separated
indication positions 132 in an A separated segment 130 and a number of B
separated indication positions 142 in a B separated segment 140 are
separated from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based
on the separation reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A
separated segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 which are
ambilaterally divided from the separation reference line 106 based on a
separation reference point 104 which is a reference position within a
contact area of a finger as well as the one separation reference line 106
passing through the separation reference point 104, and the input module
100 includes an input reference block 121 in which three A-B type
separation pairs 150 are continuously and adjacently arranged as a
left-middle-right type around the separation reference point 104, so that
an input by means of an individual or continuous selection to one or more
separated indication positions 110 among the separation pairs 150 is
sensed and an input signal corresponding to the input by means of an
individual or continuous selection is generated; and a control unit 400
which judges and distinguishes between the input by means of an
individual selection and the input by means of a continuous selection
from the input signal, and then extracts the data assigned to the
distinguished input signal from a memory unit 500 and processes the
input, characterized in that the three A-B type separation pairs 150 of
the input reference block 124 are positioned within the rolling movement
range of a fingerprint region 910 of a thumb tip and the position of each
separation pair 150 of the input reference block 124 is recognized as the
position of a left-middle-right type around the central region of
fingertip, while at the same time the three A-B type separation pairs 150
of the input reference block 124 are recognized as one input block type
in a fingerprint region 910 of thumb tip when a finger is put on the
input reference block 124, so that the input selecting positions of a
separation pair 150 disposed outside the input reference block 124 is
recognized as the position of each A-B type separation pair 150 of the
left or right of the input reference block 124 based on the input
reference block 124, and thus, a data input is individually or
continuously performed.

Mode for Invention

[0076] Hereinafter, the invention will be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, a data input device 1 using A-B type
separation pairs 150 according to the invention includes an input module
100 provided in a predetermined position of a base 10, wherein the input
module 100 provides a number of A-B type separation pairs 150 which are
disposed by each one pair along a separation reference line 106 as an
array of A-B separated indication positions in which a number of A
separated indication positions 132 in an A separated segment 130 and a
number of B separated indication positions 142 in a B separated segment
140 are separated from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type
based on the separation reference line 106, in the two sides, that is,
the A separated segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 which are
ambilaterally divided from the separation reference line 106 based on a
separation reference point 104 which is a reference position within a
contact area of a finger as well as the one separation reference line 106
passing through the separation reference point 104, and an input by means
of an individual or continuous selection to one or more separated
indication positions 110 among the separation pairs 150 is sensed and an
input signal corresponding to the input by means of an individual or
continuous selection is generated; and a control unit which judges and
distinguishes between the input by means of an individual selection and
the input by means of a continuous selection from the input signal, and
then extracts the data assigned to the distinguished input signal from a
memory unit and processes the input.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the input module 100 or
the separation pairs 150 may be configured so as to provide three A-B
type separation pairs which are disposed by each one pair along the
separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B separated indication
positions 152 in which three A separated indication positions 132 in the
A separated segment 130 and three B separated indication positions 142 in
the B separated segment 140 are separated from and corresponded each
other as a face-to-face type based on the separation reference line 106
passing through the separation reference point 104, and to include an
input reference block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs
are continuously and adjacently arranged as the left-middle-right type
around the separation reference point 104.

[0079] Here, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, FIG. 9, and FIG. 12, the three A-B
type separation pairs of the input reference block 124 are positioned
within the rolling movement range of a fingerprint region 910 of a thumb
tip, and the position of each separation pair 150 of the input reference
block 124 is recognized as the position of a left-middle-right type
around the middle of a fingertip, while at the same time the three A-B
type separation pairs of the input reference block 124 are recognized as
one input block type within a fingerprint region 910 of the thumb tip as
soon as a finger is put on the input reference block 124, so that input
selecting positions of a separation pair 150 disposed outside the input
reference block 124 are recognized as the position of each A-B type
separation pair 150 of the left or right of the input reference block
based on the input reference block 124. In this case, as shown in FIG.
12c or 13c, the input reference block 124 may be provided in the central
region of the input module 100 or the separation pairs 150.

[0080] As described above, input selecting positions of the input module
100 are recognized as each of the each A-B type separation pairs 150
which is disposed as an array of A-B separated indication positions,
based on the input reference block 124 recognized as one input block type
within a fingerprint region 910 of the thumb tip, so that there is an
advantage in which users can individually or continuously perform a data
input in an easy and quick manner.

[0081] In addition, a separation sensing unit 300 for sensing a signal
generated when an input is made in the input module 100 may comprise any
one among a pressure sensor, a touch pad, a touch screen, or a tactile
sensor. Furthermore, the separation sensing unit is provided as a touch
pad or a touch screen having a tactile sensor, thereby sensing various
types of pressures applied to each of the separated indication positions
110 when the input is selected. Here, the input represents that a data
input is performed by means of any one of a separation input or a pair
input.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 11a, a separation input is performed in
such a way that any one separated indication position 110 among the
separation pairs 150 is selected within a contact area of a finger 102 of
the input module 100, so that a data assigned to the corresponding
separated indication position A1, B1, A2, B2, etc. is inputted. Referring
to FIGS. 3 and 11b, a pair input, is performed in such a way that the A
separated indication position 132 and the separated indication position
142 of A-B separated indication position 152 of any one pair among the
separation pairs 150 are selected together within a contact area of a
finger 102 of the input module 100, so that new data different from the
data assigned to the corresponding separated indication positions A1, B1,
A2, B2, etc. is inputted.

[0083] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the input module 100 providing a
number of A-B type separation pairs 150. Here, "A-B" randomly expresses
the type of a pair according to positions separated from and corresponded
each other as a face-to-face type, or the shape of a pair in which one A
separated indication position 132 in the A separated segment 130 and one
B separated indication position 142 in the B separated segment 140 are
separated from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based
on the separation reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A
separated segment 130 and the separated segment 140 of a separated
segment 120 which are ambilaterally divided from the separation reference
line based on the separation reference point 104 which is a reference
position in the input module 100 and the one separation reference line
106 passing through the separation reference point, using A and B. In
addition, "A-B type" represents an A-B shape in which the one A separated
indication, position 132' and the one B separated indication position 142
are separated from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type
based on the one separation reference line 106 passing through the
separation reference point 104. In other words, the "A-B" or "A-B type"
expresses the shape of a separation pair 150 which is disposed as an
array of A-B separated indication position 152 in which two different
separated indication positions, that is, the A separated indication
position and the B separated indication position, are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type from the separation
reference line based on the one separation reference line 106 passing
through the separation reference point 104.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3a, the separation reference point 104, that is,
a reference position according to the invention, may be also another
reference position for an input selection within a contact area of a
finger 102 of the input module 100 at the time of input. As shown in FIG.
3, the separation reference point 104 may be positioned in the middle of
the input reference block 124.

[0085] In addition, the separation reference line 106 is a reference line
which is used to divide a separated segment 120 into the A separated
segment 130 and the B separated segment 140, or to dispose the A
separated indication positions 132 of the A separated segment 130 and the
B separated indication positions 142 of the B separated segment 110 as an
array of A-B separated indication position 152 of an A-B type in which
the A and B separated indication positions are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type, within a contact area of
a finger 102 of the input module 100.

[0086] Furthermore, the separated segment 120 in which an input selection
is implemented represents two input selection regions which are divided
into two sides, that is, the A separated segment 130 and the B separated
segment 110 from the separation reference line based on the separation
reference line 106 passing through the separation reference point 104
within a contact area of a finger 102 of the input module 100. Here, in
the separated segment 120, a direction in which the separated indication
position 110 is separated from the separation reference line 106 to the A
separated segment is defined as a direction of A separated segment (a
shown arrow A), while a direction in which the separated indication
position is separated from the separation reference line 106 to the B
separated segment is defined as a direction of B separated segment (a
shown arrow B), wherein the direction of A separated segment and B
separated segment may respectively form a forward one and a backward one
based on the separation reference line 106.

[0087] Besides, the separation pair 150 represents an A-B separated
indication position 152 of an A-B type which is disposed as an array of
A-B separated indication position in which the one A separated indication
position 132 in the A separated segment and the one B separated
indication position 142 in the B separated segment are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the separation
reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A and B separated
segments which are ambilaterally divided from the separation reference
line based on the separation reference line 106 passing through the
separation reference point 104, within a contact area of a finger 102 of
the input module 100. That is, one separation pair 150 represents one A-B
separated indication position 152.

[0088] And, at the separated indication position 110 of the input module
100, an input signal assigned to the corresponding separated indication
position is generated by means of an input, selection including a
pressure or a contact applied when an input is made. That is, the
separated indication position 110 according to the invention is one of
means for generating an input signal corresponding to the input selection
in the input module 100.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 3a or 3c, the input module 100 may include the
input reference block 124 which is a reference used to recognize the
position of an input selection when an input is made. The input reference
block 124 represents an input selection region in which the three A-B
type separation pairs 150 are continuously and adjacently disposed by
each one pair along the separation reference line 106 passing through the
separation reference point based on the separation reference point 104.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9g, the input reference block 124 may be
provided in a size corresponding to the width of a path of the rolling
movement of a fingerprint region 910 of a thumb tip. Accordingly, as
shown in FIG. 9e, each of the input selecting positions corresponding to
the three A separated indication positions 132 of the A separated segment
and the three B separated indication positions 142 of the B separated
segment may be easily selected by means of a short moving line of the
rolling movement of a fingertip based on the middle of the input
reference block 124, in a state in which a finger makes contact with the
block.

[0091] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the total input selecting positions
corresponding to each A-B separated indication position 152 of three
separation pairs may be easily and continuously selected by means of a
short moving line of the rolling movement of a thumb as though being
selected by means of an one-time input operation, in the input reference
block 124.

[0092] Specifically, each of the input selecting positions of the
separated indication positions 110 is recognized as an A-B type based on
the middle of the input reference block 124 including the separation
reference point 104 and the separation reference line 106 as soon as a
fingertip is put on the input reference block 124.

[0093] That is, the input selecting position of each of the separated
indication positions 110 of the input reference block 124 is recognized
as an A-B type selecting positions of a left-middle-right type based on
the middle of the input reference block 124 in which the separation
reference point 104 is positioned. Here, each of the A-B type selecting
positions of the left-middle-right type is recognized as a
forward-backward type based on a separation reference line 106.
Accordingly, each input may be individually or continuously performed in
an easy and quick manner, in a state in which the total input selecting
positions corresponding to each of the separated indication positions 110
of the three A-B type separation pairs 150 is recognized based on the
middle of the input reference block in which the separation reference
point 104 is positioned.

[0094] In addition, the input reference block 124 is provided within an
area in which an input selection can be performed by means of a short
moving line of the rolling movement of a finger, so that the finger is
naturally return to the central region of the input reference block 124
as soon as applied pressure or contact of the finger is released after
the input selection is made, and then a next input selecting operation
can be continuously and quickly performed based on the middle of the
input reference block 124. Here, as shown in FIG. 9e or 10a, the central
region of the input reference block 124 to which a finger naturally
returns may be a contact region in a state in which the fingertip is
positioned in the middle of the input reference block 124, or in the
ready state of the input selection or in the waiting state of the input
on which a finger positioned.

[0095] FIGS. 5a and 5h are exemplary views illustrating a separation input
in which a data input is performed by means of a selection of a separated
indication position 110 recognized as an input selecting position of an
input reference block 124.

[0096] For example, FIG. 5a illustrates a case in which A1 separated
indication position is selected around the middle of the input reference
block 124 ({circle around (1)}→{circle around (2)}), and the A1
separated indication position is selected when pressure is applied to the
forward left position recognized based on the middle of the input
reference block 124, so that the input can be easily and quickly
performed.

[0097] Likewise, FIG. 5b illustrates a case in which B3 separated
indication position and B1 separated indication position are sequentially
selected based on the middle of the input reference block 124 ({circle
around (3)}→{circle around (4)}), and the B3 separated indication
position is selected when pressure is applied to the backward right
position recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124,
and than a finger naturally return to the central region of the input
reference block 124 as soon as the selection is released by means of the
rolling movement of the finger from the B3 separated indication position,
and after that, the B1 separated indication position is selected when the
backward left position is pressed, so that the input can be quickly and
easily performed by each of the input selections in a state in which the
positions become familiar by means of the position recognition.

[0098] In addition, referring to FIG. 8, in case that an A separated
indication position and a B separated indication position are
sequentially selected based on the middle of the input reference block
124, a forward A separated indication position recognized based on the
middle of the input reference block 124 is selected (PA), and then a
finger naturally return to the central region of the input reference
block 124 as soon as pressure or contact of the finger is released, so
that an input operation which sequentially selects the forward A
separated indication position and the backward B separated indication
position (PA→PB) is quickly and easily performed by means of a
short moving line of the rolling movement of the finger as though being
selected by means of an one-time input operation.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, an input surface corresponding to each of the
separated indication positions 110 of the input reference block 124 may
further include an input contact region 212 which is formed so that the
corresponding separated indication position is selected.

[0100] Besides, the input module 100 may include an inputtable panel which
is formed so that each of the separated indication positions 110 in a
number of the A-B type separation pairs 150 is selected at the time of
input, and is provided as a detachable type. In addition, the input
module 100 may be provided in various forms made of an elastic or
inelastic material.

[0101] Hereinafter, a configuration and embodiments of the data input
device 1 according to the invention will be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

[0102] A data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs 150 according
to a first embodiment of the invention includes an input module 100 in
which a separation input is performed within a contact area of a finger
102 formed at a predetermined position of a base 10 of electronic device
and an input signal corresponding to the separation input is generated,
and a control unit 400 which judges the input signal sensed at the
separation input and processes an input command assigned to the
corresponding input.

[0103] Here, as shown in FIGS. 10b and 11a, the separation input according
to the invention is performed in such a way that the input module 100
provides a number of the A-B type separation pairs 150 which are disposed
by each one pair along a separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B
separated indication positions 152 in which a number of A separated
indication positions 132 in an A separated segment and a number of B
separated indication positions 142 in a B separated segment are separated
from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the
separation reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A separated
segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally
divided from the separation reference line based on the separation
reference line 106 passing through a separation reference point 104
within a contact area of a finger 102 of the input module 100, and any
one separated indication position 110 among the separation pairs 150 is
selected and then a data assigned to the corresponding separated
indication position A1, B1, A2, B2, etc. is inputted.

[0104] For example, the separation input is performed in such a way that a
finger positioned in the middle of an input reference block 124 as shown
in FIG. 10a moves to an input selecting position corresponding to the A
separated indication position 132 as shown in FIG. 10b and then presses
the A separated indication position 132 (PA), so that the data assigned
to the A separated indication position 132 can be inputted. In this
example, the input may be performed in a type of an input, operation that
presses or touches each input selecting position of the separation pairs
150, and various types of input selecting operations may be further
included.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 12a, the separation input according to the
invention is performed in such a way that the input module provides the
three type separation pairs 150 which are disposed by each one pair along
the separation reference line 106 in an array of A-B separated indication
positions 152 in which the three A separated indication positions A1, A2,
and A3 in the A separated segment and the three B separated indication
positions B1, B2, and B3 in B separated segment are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the separation
reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A separated segment
130 and the B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally divided from
the separation reference line based on the separation reference line 106
passing through the separation reference point 104 within a contact area
of a finger 102 of the input module 100, and any one separated indication
position 110 among the separation pairs 150 is selected and then the data
assigned to the corresponding separated indication position A1, B1, A2,
B2, etc. is inputted. Here, the separation pairs are provided as an input
reference block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point 104.

[0106] FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating displacement and types of
an input operation of a thumb according to the rolling movement of a
fingerprint region 910 of the thumb based on the middle of the input
reference block 124, when users select each of the separated indication
positions 110 of the three A-B type separation pairs 150 which are
disposed by each one pair along the separation reference line as an array
of A-B separated indication position based on the separation reference
line 106 passing through the separation reference point 104 of the input
reference block 124.

[0107] FIG. 9e illustrates a state in which a finger is positioned in the
middle of the input reference block 124 when the finger is put on the
input reference block 124 or the finger naturally moves to the central
region of the input reference block 124.

[0108] For example, FIG. 9b illustrates a case in which the A2 separated
indication position is selected based on the middle of the input
reference block 124, and an input is performed in such a way that when
pressure is applied to the forward middle position recognized around the
middle of the input reference block 124 by means of the rolling movement
of a finger (PA2), the A2 separated indication position in FIG. 9b is
selected. Alternatively, an input contact region 212 which is formed in
the input selecting position corresponding to the A2 separated indication
position is pressed (PA2), so that the input may be performed.

[0109] In other words, referring to FIGS. 9b and 9g, in case that the A2
separated indication position and the B2 separated indication position
recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124 are
selected, an input signal corresponding to the A2 separated indication
position in FIG. 9b is generated when the forward position is pressed
based on the input reference block 124, while another input signal
corresponding to the B2 separated indication position in FIG. 9g is
generated when the backward position is pressed based on the input
reference block 124. Alternatively, the input contact region 212 which is
formed in the input selecting position corresponding to each of the
separated indication positions A2 and B2 is pressed (PA2 or PB2), so that
the input may be performed.

[0110] Likewise, in case that, referring to FIGS. 9a and 9d, the A1
separated indication position and the B1 separated indication position
recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124 are
selected, or referring to FIGS. 9c and 9f, the A3 separated indication
position and the B3 separated indication position recognized based on the
middle of the input reference block 124 are respectively selected, an
input signal corresponding to the A1 separated indication position in
FIG. 9a is generated when the forward left position is pressed, an input
signal corresponding to the B1 separated indication position in FIG. 9d
is generated when the backward left position is pressed, an input signal
corresponding to the A3 separated indication position in FIG. 9c is
generated when the forward right position is pressed, and an input signal
corresponding to the B3 separated indication position in FIG. 9f is
generated when the backward right position is pressed, based on the
middle of the input reference block 124. Alternatively, the input contact
region 212 which is formed in the input selecting position corresponding
to each of the separated indication positions A1, B1, A3, and B3 is
pressed (PA1, PB1, PA3 or PB3), so that the input may be performed.

[0111] In these cases, the total input selecting positions corresponding
to the separated indication positions 110 are recognized as an array of a
left-middle-right type of A-B type selecting positions based on the input
reference block 124 as soon as a fingertip is put on the input reference
block 124, and each of the type selecting positions of the left
middle-right type is familiarly recognized as a forward-backward type
based on the separation reference line 106, so that the separation input
in the input reference block 124 can be individually or continuously
performed in an easy and quick manner.

[0112] Here, the rolling movement of a fingerprint region of the thumb tip
is performed in such a way that a fingerprint region of the thumb is put
on an input surface with which an input means makes contact and then
rolls, and in the course of this, in the input reference block 124, the
finger naturally returns to the central region of the input reference
block 124 immediately after the input selection, so that a next input
operation or a continuous input can be easy and quickly performed.

[0113] For example, referring to FIG. 5b, in case that the B3 separated
indication position and the B1 separated indication position are
sequentially selected based on the middle of the input reference block
124 ({circle around (3)}→{circle around (4)}), the B3 separated
indication position is selected when the backward right position
recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124 is
pressed, and then the finger naturally returns to the central region of
the input reference block 124, and after that, the B1 separated
indication position is selected when the backward left position
recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124 is
pressed, so that the inputs can be quickly and easily performed.

[0114] For another example, FIG. 4 is an exemplary view illustrating a
path of the rolling movement of a fingerprint region 910 of a fingertip
and a contact region of the rolling movement of a fingerprint region 910
of a fingertip in each input operation according to the path, within the
rolling movement range of a fingerprint region 910 of a finger.

[0115] FIG. 4a illustrates a fingertip which can make contact with the
input reference block 124 of the input module 100 during the rolling
movement of a finger, and it is preferred that a thumb among fingers is
used for an input means 900.

[0116] Here, referring to FIG. 4, when a finger is put on the input
reference block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs 150 are
disposed based on the separation reference line 106 passing through the
separation reference point 104, the whole input selecting positions
corresponding to the separated indication positions 110 of the separation
pairs 150 are recognized as an array of a left-middle-right type of an
A-B type selecting positions. Accordingly, the input reference block 124
provides the input selecting positions as a left-middle-right type 920 of
the A separated segment or the B separated segment around the middle of a
fingertip as an example in FIG. 4b, as a forward-backward type 930 of the
A separated segment and the B separated segment around the middle of a
fingertip as another example in FIG. 4c, or as a diagonal direction type
940 of the A separated segment and the B separated segment around the
middle of a fingertip as another further example in FIG. 4d, so that a
data input can be individually or continuously performed in an easy and
quick manner by means of a short moving line of a finger and an input
operation according to the position recognition.

[0117] Although the input reference block 124 may be provided in a size
that is less than the width of a thumb when being formed in mobile
devices, the input module 100 according to the invention is not limited
thereto.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 12a or 12c, in the input module 100 according to
the invention, even when one or more A-B type separation pairs is further
disposed outside the input reference block 124, each of the separated
indication positions of the separation pair disposed outside the input
reference block 124 is recognized as the position of each A-B type
selecting position of the left or right of the input reference block
based on the input reference block 124 on which a finger is positioned.
Here, each of the A-B type selecting positions may be recognized as a
forward-backward type of the A separated segment direction and the B
separated segment direction based on the separation reference line 106.
Accordingly, the separation input in the input module 100 can be quickly
performed.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 12b, the input module 100 according to the
invention may be applied to electronic devices or portable terminals in a
form which provides the input reference block 124 in which the three A-B
type separation pairs 150 are continuously and adjacently arranged as a
left-middle-right type around the separation reference point 104, and
further has one A-B type separation pair outside one side of the input
reference block 124.

[0120] When the separated indication position 110 disposed outside the
input reference block 124 in the input module 100 is inputted, the input
reference block 124 may be a reference so that each of the input
selecting positions is recognized to the corresponding selection
position.

[0121] Here, as shown in FIG. 12b, the separation input according to the
invention is performed in such a way that any one separated indication
position 110 among four A-B type separation pairs, in which one A-B type
separation pair 150 is further provided outside one side of the input
reference block 124 based on the input reference block 124 in such a size
that the rolling movement of a fingerprint region 910 of a thumb tip may
be performed, is selected based on the separation reference point 104
which is a reference point and the separation reference line 106 passing
through the separation reference point 104 within a contact area of a
finger 102 of the input module 100, and then a data assigned to the
corresponding separated indication position 110 is inputted.

[0122] FIG. 5c is an exemplary view illustrating an input in which a
separated indication position 110 of a separation pair 150 disposed
outside to the right of the input reference block 124 based on the input
reference block 124 in the input module 100 is selected. As shown in FIG.
5c, in case that the A4 separated indication position among the four A-B
type separation pairs provided in the input module 100 is selected
({circle around (5)}→{circle around (6)}), the A4 separated
indication position is selected when the very forward right position
recognized based on the right edge of the input reference block 124 on
which a finger is positioned is pressed, so that the input can be quickly
and easily performed even to each of the separated indication positions
110 disposed outside the input reference block 124.

[0123] Alternatively, differently from FIG. 5c, there may be an exemplary
input in which a separated indication position 110 of a separation pair
150 disposed outside to the left of the input reference block 124 based
on the input reference block 124 in the input module 100 is selected.
Referring to FIG. 12b or 12c, in case that the A1 separated indication
position in the input module 100 providing the four A-B type separation
pairs is selected as shown in FIG. 12c, the A1 separated indication
position is selected when the very forward left position recognized based
on the left edge of the input reference block 124 on which a finger is
positioned is pressed, so that the input can be quickly and easily
performed.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 12c, the input module 100 according to the
invention may be applied to electronic devices or portable terminals in a
form which provides the input reference block 124 in which the three A-B
type separation pairs 150 are continuously and adjacently arranged as a
left-middle-right type around the separation reference point 104 and
further has two A-B type separation pairs outside both sides of the input
reference block. When the separated indication position 110 disposed
outside the input reference block 124 in the input module 100 is
inputted, the input reference block 124 may be a reference so that each
of the input selecting positions is recognized to the corresponding
selection position. Here, as shown in FIG. 12c, the separation input
according to the invention is performed in such a way that any one
separated indication position 110 among five A-B type separation pairs,
in which two A-B type separation pair 150 are further provided outside
both sides of the input reference block 124 based on the input reference
block 124 in such a size that the rolling movement of a fingerprint
region 910 of a thumb tip may be performed, is selected based on the
separation reference point 104 which is a reference point and the
separation reference line 106 passing through the separation reference
point 104 within a contact area of a finger 102 of the input module 100,
and then a data assigned to the corresponding separated indication
position 110 is inputted.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 12c, there may be an exemplary input in which the
separated indication position 110 of the separation pairs 150
respectively disposed outside the left and right sides of the input
reference block 124 based on the input reference block 124 in the input
module 100 is selected. As shown in FIG. 12c, in case that the B1
separated indication position in the input module 100 providing the five
A-B type separation pairs is selected, the B1 separated indication
position is selected when the very backward left position recognized
based on the left edge of the input reference block 124 on which a finger
is positioned is pressed, so that the input can be quickly and easily
performed.

Second Embodiment

[0126] A data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs 150 according
to a second embodiment of the invention includes an input module 100 in
which a pair input is performed within a contact area of a finger 102
provided at a predetermined position of a base 10 of electronic device
and an input signal corresponding to the pair input is generated, and a
control unit 400 which judges the input signal sensed at the pair input
and processes an input command assigned to the corresponding input.

[0127] As shown in FIGS. 10c and 11b, the pair input according to the
invention is performed in such a way that the input module 100 provides a
number of A-B type separation pairs 150 which are disposed by each one
pair along a separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B separated
indication positions 152 in which a number of A separated indication
positions 132 in an A separated segment and a number of B separated
indication positions 142 in a B separated segment are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the separation
reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A separated segment
130 and the B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally divided from
the separation reference line based on the separation reference line 106
passing through a separation reference point 104 within a contact area of
a finger 102 of the input module 100, and an A separated indication
position 132 and a B separated indication position 142 of the A-B
separated indication position 152 of any one pair among the separation
pairs 150 are selected together, so that new data different from the data
assigned to the corresponding separated indication positions A1, B1, A2,
B2, etc. is inputted.

[0128] For example, as shown in FIG. 11b, the pair input in the input
module 100 may be performed by means of an input operation in which the
separated indication position 132 and the B separated indication position
142 of the A-B separated indication position 152 forming one A-B type
separation pair 150 are pressed together (CAB).

[0129] Here, in the pair input, a finger positioned in the middle of the
input reference block 124 as shown in FIG. 10a presses the A and B
separated indication positions 132 and 142 of the A-B separated
indication position 152 together (CAB) as shown in FIG. 10c, so that new
data different from the data assigned to the A and B separated indication
positions 132 and 142 may be inputted. In this example, the input may be
performed by means of an input operation that presses or touches each of
the input selecting positions, and various types of input selecting
operations may be further included.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 13a, the pair input according to the invention is
performed in such a way that the input module 100 provides the three A-B
type separation pairs A1-B1, A2-B2, and A3-B3 which are disposed by each
one pair along the separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B
separated indication positions 152 in which three A separated indication
positions 132 in the A separated segment and three separated indication
positions 142 in the B separated segment are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the separation
reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A separated segment
130 and the B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally divided from
the separation reference line based on the separation reference line 106
passing through the separation reference point 104 within a contact area
of a finger 102 of the input module 100, and the A separated indication
position 132 and the B separated indication position 142 of the A-B
separated indication position 152 of any one pair among the separation
pairs 150 are selected together, so that new data different from the data
assigned to the separated indication positions A1, B1, A2, B2, A3, and B3
is inputted. Here, the separation pairs are provided in the input
reference block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point 104.

[0131] In addition, as soon as a fingertip is put on the input reference
block 124, the whole input selecting positions corresponding to the three
A-B type separation pairs 150 are recognized as each A-B type based or
the middle of the input reference block.

[0132] Furthermore, the input reference block 124 is provided within an
area in which the input selection can be performed by means of a short
moving line of the rolling movement of a fingertip, so that a finger
naturally returns to the central region of the input reference block 124
as soon as pressure applied by the finger or the finger contact is
released after each of the input selections, and then a next input
selecting operation may be continuously and quickly performed based on
the middle of the input reference block 124.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 13b and 13c, in the input module 100 according to
the invention, even when one or more A-B type separation pairs 150 is
further disposed outside the input reference block 124, an input
selecting position of each separated indication position of a separation
pair disposed outside the input reference block 124 is recognized as each
A-B type selecting position of the left or right of the input reference
block based on the input reference block 124 on which a finger is
positioned, and each of the A-B type selecting positions may be
recognized as a forward-backward type in the A separated segment
direction and the B separated segment direction around the separation
reference line 106, so that the pair input may be quickly performed.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 13b, the input module 100 according to the
invention may be applied to electronic devices or portable terminals in a
form that provides the input reference block 124 in which the three A-B
type separation pairs 150 are continuously and adjacently arranged as a
left-middle-right type around the separation reference point 104 and
further provides one A-B type separation pair outside one side of the
input reference block. When the separated indication position 110
disposed outside the input reference block 124 in the input module 100 is
inputted, the input reference block 124 may be a reference so that each
of the input selecting positions is recognized to the corresponding
selection position. Here, as shown in FIG. 13b, the pair input according
to the invention is performed in such a way that, an A separated
indication position 132 and a B separated indication position 142 of an
A-B separated indication position 152 of any one pair among four A-B type
separation pairs, in which one A-B type separation pair 150 is further
disposed outside one side of the input reference block 124 based on the
input reference block 124 in such a size that the rolling movement of a
fingerprint region 910 of a thumb tip may be performed, are selected
together based on the separation reference point 104 which is a reference
point and the separation reference line 106 passing through the
separation reference point 104 within a contact area of a finger 102 of
the input module 100, so that new data different from the data assigned
to the corresponding separated indication positions 110 is inputted.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 10c and 13b, an example of an input in which an
A-B separated indication position 152 of a separation pair 150 disposed
outside to the right of the input reference block 124 based on the input
reference block 124 of the input module 100 is selected may be described.
As shown in FIG. 13b, case that the very right pair A4-B4 among the four
A-B type separation pairs provided in the input module 100 is selected,
the very right separation pair A4-B4 disposed outside to the right of the
input reference block is selected when the very right position recognized
based on the right edge of the input reference block 124 is pressed, so
that the input can be quickly and easily performed. Likewise, in the
input module 100, when one separation pair is disposed outside to the
left of the input reference block 124 based on the input reference block
124, the input operation may be applied.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 13c, the input module 100 according to the
invention may be applied to electronic devices or portable terminals as a
form that provides the input reference 124 in which the three A-B type
separation pairs 150 which are continuously and adjacently arranged as a
left-middle-right type around the separation reference point 104 and
further provides two A-B type separation pairs outside both sides of the
input reference block. When the separated indication position 110
disposed outside the input reference block 124 in the input module 100 is
inputted, the input reference block 124 may be a reference so that each
of the input selecting positions is recognized to the corresponding
selection position.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 13c, an example of an input in which each
separated indication position 152 of the separation pairs 150
respectively disposed outside the left and right side of the input
reference block 124 based on the input reference block 124 in the input
module 100 is selected may be described. As shown in FIG. 13c, in the
input module 100 providing five A-B type separation pairs, the very left
separation pair A1-B1 is selected when the very left position recognized
based on the left edge of the input reference block 124 is pressed
(CAB1), while the very right separation pair A4-B4 is selected when the
very right position recognized based on the right edge of the input
reference block 124 is pressed (CAB5), so that the input may be quickly
and easily performed.

[0138] Besides, FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of data which is generated
according to the above-mentioned input performed based on the input
reference block 124 in the input module 100, in the data input device 1
using the A-B type separation pairs 150 according to the invention.

[0139] Here, the input can be performed by means of various types of input
operations including the above-mentioned rolling movement of a
fingerprint region of a fingertip.

[0140] Besides, the control unit may judge and determine a corresponding
input signal from one signal generated by means of an individual
selection to the any one separated indication position among the three
A-B type separation pairs of the input reference block 124 and then
process the input signal as a separation input, or judge a corresponding
input signal from two signals generated by means of selecting together
the A separated indication position 132 and the B separated indication
position 142 forming any one separation pair 150 and then process the
input signal as a pair input. For example, referring to FIG. 10c or 11b,
when the A separated indication position 132 and the B separated
indication position 142 of the A-B separated indication position 152 of
each separation pair 150 recognized based on the middle of the input
reference block 124 among the three A-B type separation pairs 150
disposed in the input reference block 124 are pressed together (CAB) and
two signals are generated, the control unit may judge and process the
input signal as a pair input.

[0141] However, in the pair input, the A separated indication position 132
and the B separated indication position 142 of the separation pair 150
which is pressed by a finger (CAB) may fail to simultaneously make
contact with a sensing sensor of a separation sensing unit 300. That is,
the A separated indication position 132 and the B separated indication
position 142 at the separation pair 152 may sequentially make contact
with the sensing sensor, or the B separated indication position 142 and
the A separated indication position 132 may sequentially make contact
with the sensing sensor.

[0142] In this case, the control unit may judge and determine the two
sequential signals as a pair input according to a preset time value and
processes the signals to the pair input.

[0143] That is, in a selection to the separation pair 150 at the time of
input, in case that a time difference between contact signals generated
when the A separated indication position 132 and the B separated
indication position 142 make contact with the sensing sensor is within
the preset time value regardless of the order of signal generation, the
selection is processed as a pair input. Here, the preset time value may
be less than 0.2 seconds, or be judged through consideration of a typical
time difference between simultaneous contacts. In addition, a
corresponding input signal may be judged and determined from two
different continuous signals generated at one separation pair and then be
processed as a pair input, using other various methods.

[0144] When A-B separated indication position 152 of one separation pair
in the input reference block 124 is continuously selected and four
continuous signals are generated, the control unit may judge and
determine whether two different signals are continuously inputted twice
from the four continuous signals, and the process the corresponding input
as a double input in the pair input, that is, a multi-step input. Here,
the preset time value may be applied or other various methods may be used
to process the input signal.

Third Embodiment

[0145] A data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs according to
the invention may provide an input module 100 in which the
above-mentioned input is individually or continuously performed, or a
separation pair combining input sequentially combining a separation input
and a pair input can be performed.

[0146] The data input device 1 using the A-B type separation pairs 150
according to a third embodiment of the invention includes the input
module 100 in which a separation pair combining input is performed within
a contact area of a finger 102 formed at a predetermined position of a
base 10 of electronic device and an input signal corresponding to the
separation pair combining input is generated, and a control unit 400
which judges the input signal at the separation pair combining input and
processes an input command assigned to the corresponding input.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 10b to 10c or FIGS. 11a, 11b, and 11d, the
separation pair combining input according to the invention is performed
in such a way that the input module 100 provides a number of the A-B type
separation pairs 150 which are disposed by each one pair along a
separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B separated indication
positions 152 in which a number of A separated indication positions 132
in an A separated segment and a number of B separated indication
positions 142 in a B separated segment are separated from and
corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the separation
reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A separated segment
130 and the B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally divided from
the separation reference line based on the separation reference line 106
passing through a separation reference point 104 within a contact area of
a finger 102 of the input module 100, so that new data different from the
data assigned to the separated indication positions 110 is inputted by
means of a combination of the separation input in which one separated
indication position 110 among the separation pairs 150 is selected and
the pair input in which en A separated indication position 132 and a B
separated indication position 142 of A-B separated indication position
152 of one pair among the separation pairs 150 are selected together.

[0148] Here, the input may be performed in a type of an input operation
that presses or touches each input selecting position through the rolling
movement of a fingerprint region 910 of a fingertip, and various types of
input operations may be further included.

[0149] FIG. 14 is a variety of exemplary views illustrating the separation
pair combining input which is performed in the input module 100 providing
a number of the A-B type separation pairs 150 according to the invention.

[0150] Specifically, FIG. 14a is an exemplary view illustrating the
separation pair combining input which is performed by means of a
sequential combination of the separation input and the pair input in the
input reference block 124 of the input module 100. That is, in case that
the separation input and the pair input are sequentially combined with
each other at the right separation pair A3-B3 based on the middle of the
input reference block 124 ({circle around (1)}→{circle around
(2)}), the A3 separated indication position is pressed (PA3) and the
separation input is performed when the forward right position recognized
based on the middle of the input reference block 124 is selected ({circle
around (1)}), and after that, the A3 and B3 separated indication
positions A3-B3 are pressed together (CAB3) and the pair input is
performed when the right position recognized based on the middle of the
input reference block 124 is selected ({circle around (2)}), so that new
data different from the data assigned to each of the separated indication
positions 110 is inputted by means of the separation pair combining
input.

[0151] Likewise FIG. 14b illustrates a case ({circle around
(1)}→{circle around (2)}) in which the separation input at the B3
separated indication position and the pair input at the left separation
pair A1-B1 are sequentially combined with each other based on the middle
of the input reference block 124 in the input module 100. That is, the B3
separated indication position is pressed (PB3) and the separation input
is performed when the backward right position recognized based on the
middle of the input reference block 124 is selected ({circle around
(1)}), and after that the A1 and B1 separated indication positions A1-B1
are pressed together (CAB1) and the pair input is performed when the left
position recognized based On the middle of the input reference block 124
is selected ({circle around (2)}), so that the separation pair combining
input is performed.

[0152] However, another separation pair combining input may be performed
by means of the order of combination which is different from the
above-mentioned separation pair combining input. That is, as shown in
FIG. 14c ({circle around (1)}→{circle around (2)}), the A3 and B3
separated indication positions A3-B3 are pressed together (CAB3) when the
right position separation pair recognized based on the middle of the
input reference block 124 is selected, and after that, the A2 separated
indication position is pressed (PA2) when the forward middle position
recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124 is
selected ({circle around (1)}), so that the separation pair combining
input in which the pair input and the separation input are sequentially
combined with each other is performed.

[0153] As shown in FIGS. 12b and 12c, FIGS. 13b and 13c, or FIG. 14d, in
the input module 100 according to the invention, even when one or more
A-B type separation pairs 150 is further disposed outside the input
reference block 124, the input selecting position of each separated
indication position 110 of the separation pair disposed outside the input
reference block 124 is recognized as each A-B type selecting position of
the left or right of the input reference block based on the input
reference block 124 on which a finger is put, and each of the A-B type
selecting position is recognized as a forward-backward type of the A
separated segment direction and the B separated segment direction based
on the separation reference line 106, so that the separation pair
combining input can be quickly performed.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 12b and 12c, FIGS. 13b and 13c, or FIG. 14d, the
input module 100 according to the invention may be applied to electronic
devices or portable terminals in a ions that provides the input reference
block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs 150 are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point 104 and one A-B type separation pair is
further disposed outside one side of the input reference block.

[0155] For example, FIG. 14d is an exemplary view illustrating the
separation pair combining input which is performed by means of a
sequential combination of the separation input and the pair input at the
four A-B type separation pairs 150 in which one A-B type separation pair
150 is further disposed outside to the right of the input reference block
124 based on the input reference block 124 in the input module 100. That
is, the A1 separated indication position is pressed (PA1) when the
forward left position recognized based on the middle of the input
reference block 124 is selected (GA, and after that, the A4 and B4
separated indication positions A4-B4 are pressed together (CAB4) when the
very right position recognized based on the right edge of the input
reference block 124 is selected ({circle around (2)}), so that the
separation pair combining input, in which new data different from the
data assigned to the separated indication positions 110 is inputted, is
performed.

[0156] As described above, when the separated indication position 110
disposed outside the input reference block 124 in the input module 100 is
selected by means of the separation pair combining input, the input
reference block 124 may be a reference so that each of the input
selecting positions is recognized to the corresponding selection
positron.

[0157] Besides, FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of data which is generated
according to the above-mentioned input performed based on the input
reference block 124 in the input module 100, in the data input device 1
using the A-B type separation pairs 150 according to the invention.

[0158] FIG. 16a illustrates the number of data which can be inputted
according to the separation input in the input reference block 124. That
is, in the input reference block 124, when each of the separated
indication positions A1, B1, A2, B2, C1, and C2 of the three A-B type
separation pairs is individually selected once, the total six data are
generated.

[0159] FIG. 16b illustrates the number of data which can be inputted
according to the pair input in the input reference block 124. That is, in
the input reference block 124, when each of the separation pairs A1-B1,
A2-B2, and A3-B3 of the three A-B type separation pairs is individually
selected once, the total three data are generated.

[0160] FIG. 16d illustrates the number of data which can be inputted
according to the separation pair combining input in the input reference
block 124. That is, the total forty five data may be generated by means
of a combination of the separation input and the pair input in the input
reference block 124. Here, new data different from the data assigned to
each of the separated indication positions or each of the inputs as
generated by means of a combination according to a continuous selection
of any one or more inputs among the separation input or the pair input,
so that the number of data may be further increased.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 12a, 13a, and 16d, when the right position is
selected in a state in which the forward left position recognized based
on the middle of the input reference block 124 is selected, the
separation pair combining input is performed by means of a combination of
the separation input in which the separated indication position
corresponding to the forward left position is selected and the pair input
in which the A-B separated indication position of the separation pair
corresponding to the right position is selected. That is, when the
separation pair combining input is performed by means of a sequential
combination of the separation input selecting the separated indication
position A1 of the forward left, position and the pair input selecting
the A-B separated indication position A3-B3 of the right position based
on the middle of the input reference block 124, new data `D1D23` is
generated and displayed on a display unit 500 rather than the data "D1"
assigned to the separation input selecting the separated indication
position A1 and the data "D23" assigned to the pair input selecting the
A-B separated indication position A3-B3.

[0162] Besides, the control unit judges and determines a corresponding
input signal from three signals which are generated by means of a
selective combination of the A separated indication position 132 and the
B separated indication position 142 at any one separation pair 150 among
the three A-B type separation pairs 150 of the input reference block 124,
and then processes the input signal as a separation pair combining input.
Here, the three signals may be generated as a type of a combination of
one signal and another two different signals. In other words, as shown in
FIGS. 10b and 10c, when the A separated indication position 132 or the B
separated indication position 142 of any one separation pair among the
three A-B type separation pairs 150 disposed an the input reference block
124 is individually pressed (PA or PB) and one signal is generated, and
after that, the A separated indication position 132 and the B separated
indication position 142 of any one separation pair are pressed together
(CAB) and two signals are generated, or, conversely, the A separated
indication position 132 and the B separated indication position 142 of
any one separation pair are pressed together (CAB) and two signals are
generated, and after that, the A separated indication position 132 or the
B separated indication position 142 of any one separation pair is
individually pressed (PA or PB) and one signal is generated, the control
unit may judge and determine the corresponding input signals as a
separation pair combining input. Here, when the separation input and the
pair input are sequentially performed at any one separation pair 150,
which is recognized based on the middle of the input reference block 124,
among the three A-B type separation pairs 150 of the input reference
block 124 and then three signals are generated, each of the inputs can be
distinguished from each other and processed of the input according to the
order of the signal generation.

[0163] For example, referring to FIGS. 12a, 13a, and 16d, in the left
separation pair A1-B1 recognized based on the middle of the input
reference block 124, one signal is generated by means of the separation
input selecting the separated indication position A1 corresponding to the
forward left position when the forward position of the separation pair is
pressed, and after that, two signals are generated by means of the pair
input selecting the A-B separated indication position A1-B1 corresponding
to the left position when the separation pair is pressed. Here, the
control unit judges and determines a corresponding input signal from the
three signals, and then processes new data "D1D21" different from the
data "D1" or "D4" respectively assigned to the A1 separated indication
position and the B1 separated indication position of the left separation
pair A1-B1.

[0164] Conversely, referring to FIGS. 12a, 13a, and 16d, in the left
separation pair A1-B1, two signals are generated by means of the pair
input selecting the A-B separated indication position A1-B1 corresponding
to the left position when the separation pair is pressed, and after that,
one signal is generated by means of the separation input selecting the
separated indication position A1 corresponding to the forward left
position when the forward position of the separation pair is pressed.
Here, the control unit judges and determines a corresponding input signal
from the three signals, and then processes new data "D21D1" different
from the data "D1" or "D4" respectively assigned to the A1 separated
indication position and the B1 separated indication position of the left
separation pair A1-B1.

[0165] As described above, when any one separated indication position 110
at one separation pair is selected in an overlapping manner and three
signals are generated, the control unit judges whether the separation
pair combining input is performed by a pair input after a separation
input or by a separation input after a pair input from the three signals,
and distinguishes inputting order of the inputs, and then processes the
input of data assigned to the corresponding input.

[0166] However, in case of the three signals which are generated when each
of the separated indication positions 110 of the separation pairs 150
makes contact with a sensing sensor, the contact made with the separated
indication position 110 by means of the pair input after the separation
input and the contact made with the separated indication position 110 by
means of the separation input after the pair input may be identical with
each other.

[0167] In other words, referring to FIG. 16d as an exemplary, in case that
the pair input is performed at the left separation pair A1-B1 recognized
based on the middle of the input reference block 124, each of the
separated indication positions by means of the pair input after the
separation input may make contact with the sensing sensor in the order
such as A1 separated indication position→B1 separated indication
position→A1 separated indication position when a signal by means
of simultaneous contact fails to be generated. In addition, each of the
separated indication positions by means of the separation input after the
pair input may make contact with the sensing sensor in the order such as
A1 separated indication position→B1 separated indication
position→A1 separated indication position.

[0168] As describe above, in case that each of the separated indication
positions 110 makes contact with the sensing sensor in the same order
when the different inputs are made, the control unit may judge two
continuous signals having a short time interval between contact signals
as the pair input according to a preset time value from three signals
generated according to the order of the combination of the different
inputs, and then process the inputs as different separation pair
combining inputs based on the two continuous signals of the pair input.

[0169] In other words, referring to FIG. 10 or 11, in case of the left
separation pair A1-B1, when continuous contact signals are generated in a
short time interval during the A1 separated indication position the
separated indication position among the three signals, the control unit
judges the signals as a separation pair combining input by means of the
separation input (PA) after the pair input (CAB), or when continuous
contact signals are generated in a short time interval during the B1
separated indication position→the A1 separated indication position
among the three signals, the control unit judges the signals as a
separation pair combining input by the pair input (CAB) after the
separation input (PA), and then processes the input as new data that are
respectively different from each other. Here, the preset time value may
be less than 0.2 seconds, or be judged through consideration of a typical
time difference between simultaneous contacts.

[0170] For another example, in case that a combination of the separation
input and the pair input is performed at any one separation pair A-B
among the three A-B type separation pairs 150 disposed in the input
reference block 124, wherein in case that simultaneous contact signals
fail to be generated and three signals are continuously generated when
the pair input is made, two continuous signal values generated when the
pair input is made are processed as a database of the pair input signal
value, so that each of the pair inputs may be processed. That is, when
two continuous signals having a short time interval between contact
signals are sensed during the separation input and the pair input which
are performed at the separation pair, an input is processed as the input
value corresponding to the pair input in the corresponding database. In
addition, the corresponding input signal may be judged from three signals
generated at one separation pair 150 by means of a variety of methods and
be processed of the input as the separation pair combining input.

Fourth Embodiment

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, in a data input device 1 using A-B type
separation pairs according to the invention, an input module 100 may
consist of an input unit 200 which provides a number of A-B type
separation pairs 150 which are disposed by each one pair along a
separation reference line 106 as an array of A-B separated indication
positions 152 in which a number of A separated indication positions 132
in an A separated segment 130 and a number of B separated indication
positions 142 in a B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally
divided from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on
the separation reference line passing through the separation reference
point 104 which is a reference position, and an input selecting position
corresponding to each of the separated indication positions 110 of the
separation pairs is individually or continuously selected, so that any
one or more inputs among a separation input, a pair input, and a
separation pair combining input is individually or continuously
performed; and a separation sensing unit 300 for generating a
corresponding input signal at an input, in which one or more sensing
sensors sensing each contact when the input is made may be provided, is
included in the input module.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the input unit 200 may be configured so
as to include an input reference block 124 in which three A-B type
separation pairs are continuously and adjacently arranged as a
left-middle-right type around the separation reference point 104.

[0173] Accordingly, the three A-B type separation pairs of the input
reference block 124 are positioned within the rolling movement range of a
fingerprint region of a thumb tip, and an input selecting position
corresponding to the separated indication position 110 of each separation
pair of the input reference block is recognized as a left-middle-r a type
or a forward and backward left, forward and backward middle, and forward
and backward right type around the middle of a fingertip, while at the
same time the three A-B type separation pairs of the input reference
block are recognized as one input block type with in a fingerprint region
910 of the thumb tip when a finger is put on the input reference block,
so that an input selecting position of a separation pair disposed outside
the input reference block is recognized as each A-B type separation pair
of the left or right of the input reference block based on the input
reference block, and thus, a data input may be individually or
continuously performed.

[0174] Here, an input selecting segment 220, which is formed so that the
corresponding separated indication position 110 is selected at the
position corresponding to each of the separated indication positions 110
of the separation pair 150, may be further included at the upper side of
the input module 100 or the input unit 200. Here, the input selecting
segment 220 may be provided in the same number as that of each separated
indication position 110 disposed in the input module 100 or the input
unit 200, and an input surface 210 with which an input means 900 makes
contact may be formed as the input selecting segment. In addition,
referring to FIG. 7, the input selecting segment 220 may be included
within an input contact region 212 in the input module 100 or the input
unit 200. Alternatively, the input contact region may be provided as the
input selecting segment 220 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 10b, lie, or 124, when the input module 100 or
the input unit 200 according to the invention provides the input
reference block 124 and the input selecting segment 220 in which the
three A-B type separation pairs 150 are continuously and adjacently
arranged as a left-middle-right type around the separation reference
point 104, the separation input is performed in such a way that the input
module or the input unit provides the three A-B type separation pairs 150
which are disposed by each one pair along the separation reference line
106 as an array of A-B type separated indication positions 152 in which
the three A separated indication positions 132 in the A separated segment
130 and the three B separated indication positions 142 in the B separated
segment 140 are separated from and corresponded each other as a
face-to-face type based on the separation reference line 106, in the two
sides, that is, the A separated segment 130 and the B separated segment
140 which are ambilaterally divided from the separation reference line
based on the separation reference line 106 passing through the separation
reference point 104 within a contact area of a finger 102 of the input
module 100 or the input unit 200, and any one separated indication
position 110 among the separation pairs 150 is selected, so that the data
assigned to the separated indication position is inputted.

[0176] In addition, referring to FIG. 10c, 11b or 13a, the pair input is
performed in such a way that the A separated indication position 132 and
the B separated indication position 142 of A-B separated indication
position 152 of any one pair among the separation pairs 150 of the input
module 100 or the input unit 200 are selected together, so that new data
different from the data assigned to the corresponding separated
indication positions is inputted.

[0177] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 10b to 10c, or FIGS. 11a, 11b, and
11d, the separation pair combining input is performed in such a way that
new data different from the data assigned to each of the separated
indication positions 110 is inputted by means of a sequential combination
of the separation input selecting one separated indication position 110
among the separation pairs 150 of the input module 100 or the input unit
200 and the pair input selecting together the A separated indication
position 132 and the B separated indication position 142 of A-B separated
indication position 152 of one pair among the separation pairs 150 of the
input module 100 or the input unit 200.

[0178] Here, in the separation pair combining input, when the order of
input operation of the separation input and the pair input are different
from each other, the control unit judges and determines an input signal
from a signal sensed at the time of each input, and then processes the
input of different data assigned to each of the corresponding inputs.

[0179] As soon as a fingertip is put on the input module 100 or the input
unit 200, each of the input selecting segments 220 is recognized as a
left-middle-right type of A-B type selecting position based on the middle
of the input reference block 124. Here, the left-middle-right type of the
A-B type selecting position may be recognized as the forward-backward
type of the A separated segment direction and the B separated segment
direction based on the separation reference line 106. Accordingly, users
can individually or continuously perform any one or more inputs among the
separation input, the pair input, or the separation pair combining input,
in a state in which the users easily and familiarly recognize each of the
input selecting segments as the A-B type selecting position.

[0180] Here, the input may be performed in a type of an input operation
that presses or touches each of the input selecting positions through the
rolling movement of a fingerprint region 910 of a fingertip, or various
types of input selecting operations may be further included.

[0181] In the input module 100 or the input unit 200 according to the
invention, even when one or more A-B type separation pairs 150 is further
disposed outside the input reference block 124, the input selecting
segment 220 corresponding to each separated indication position of the
separation pair disposed outside the input reference block 124 is
recognized as each A-B type selecting position of the left or right of
the input reference block based on the input reference block 124 on which
a finger is put, and each of the A-B type selecting positions may be
recognized as the forward-backward type of the A separated segment
direction and the B separated segment direction based on the separation
reference line 10E, so that each input can be quickly performed.

[0182] Here, referring to FIG. 26a, the input selecting segments 220 may
be wholly or partially provided at the upper side of the input module 100
or the input unit 200. For example, referring to FIGS. 26a to 26h, the
input selecting segment may be provided as one input surface 210 or in
the same number as that of each of the separated indication positions 110
disposed in the input module 100 or the input unit 200.

[0183] For example, the input selecting segments 220 may be divided into a
left-middle-right type of the input selecting segment by means of two or
more separating grooves 230 as shown in FIG. 26b based on the middle of
the input reference block 124 provided in the input module 100 or the
input unit 200, and then recognized as the same types as the three A-B
type separation pairs 150. That is, the positions of the input selecting
segments respectively recognized as are input selecting positions of the
same type (that is, a left-middle right type of the input selecting
segment) as the three A-B type separation pairs 150 which are recognized
as a left-middle-right type of the separation pairs based on the middle
of the input reference block 124. Besides, the input selecting segment
may be provided in a form which is divided into the A separated segment
130 and the B separated segment 140 by means of a single separating
groove 230 provided along the separation reference line 106. Here, the
separating groove may be wholly or partially formed in any one or more
shapes of a straight line, a curve, or a wavy pattern, and wholly or
partially provided in a symmetric or asymmetric type.

[0184] Furthermore, the input selecting segments 220 may be divided into
the A separated segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 by means of a
separating groove 230 provided at the position of the separation
reference line 106 as the same form as the separation reference line 106.

[0185] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1e, the separated indication
positions 110 corresponding to the separation reference line 106 or the
input selecting segments 220 may be formed as any one or more shapes
among a straight line (FIG. 1a), a curve (FIG. 1c), or a wavy pattern
(FIG. 1e). In addition, the separating reference line 106 may be wholly
or partially provided in a symmetric type, an asymmetric type divided by
a straight line (FIG. 1b), or an asymmetric type divided by a curve (FIG.
1d) based on the middle of the input unit 200.

[0186] Also, the input selecting segments 220 may be divided into a
left-middle-right type of the input selecting segments by means of a
protuberance type of two or more separating lines 232 based on the middle
of the input reference block 124 provided in the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 as shown in FIG. 26c, and then be recognized as the same
types as the three A-B type separation pairs 150. That is, the position
of each of the input selecting segments is recognized as the input
selecting position as the same types (that is, a left-middle-right type
of the input selecting segments) as the three A-B type separation pairs
150 which are recognized as a left-middle-right type of separation pairs
based on the middle of the input reference block 124. Besides, the input
selecting segments may be provided in a form which is divided into the A
separated segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 by means of the
single separating line provided along the separation reference line 106.
In other words, the input selecting segments may be provided as a form
which is divided into two or more input selecting segments by means of
one or more separating lines 232. In this case, the separating lines may
be wholly or partially formed in any one or more shapes of a straight
line, a curve, or a wavy pattern, and wholly or partially provided in a
symmetric or asymmetric type.

[0187] In addition, the input selecting segments 220 may be provided on
the input module 100 or the input unit 200 as type of predetermined
separated protuberance 234. For example, as shown its FIG. 26d, the input
selecting segments 220 may be provided at the corresponding input
selecting position as a type of six separated protuberances
corresponding, in number, to each of the separated indication positions
110 of the three A-B type separation pairs 150 of the input reference
bock 124 based on the middle of the input reference block 124 provided in
the input module 100 or the input unit 200.

[0188] Furthermore, the input selecting segments 220 may be provided on
the input module 100 or the input unit 200 as a type of predetermined
protruding frame 236. That as shown in FIG. 26e, the input selecting
segments may be provided as a protruding frame which has a predetermined
width and is formed along the input selecting position corresponding to
each of the separated indication positions 110 of the three type
separation pairs 150 based on the middle of the input reference block 124
provided in the input module 100 or the input unit 200.

[0189] The input selecting segments 220 provided on the input module 100
or the input unit 200 may further include a variety of types which enable
each of the A-B type separation pairs 150 or each of the separated
indication positions 110 of the input reference block 124 to be
individually selected.

[0190] For example, the input selecting segments 220 may be provided as
any one or more among a separately-provided press key, a button, and a
switch so as to correspond to the input selecting position of each of the
A-B type separation pairs 150 or each of the separated indication
positions 110 of the input reference block 124.

[0191] Besides, the input module 100 according to the invention may be
provided so as to be applied to electronic devices or portable terminals
providing various types of interfaces.

[0192] For example, as shown in FIG. 28a, the input modules 100 and 100'
may be included in a holding type interface 700 which is provided to a
holder 702 contacted with and separated from a base 10. In this example,
the input module or the interface further includes a transmitting and
receiving unit in which an input command of a data assigned to a
corresponding input based on an input signal generated when the input is
made is transmitted to and received from the base of a connected device
through any one or more methods among a wired method or a wireless
method.

[0193] In addition, the input modules 100 and 100' may be included in a
detachable type interface 720 which can be coupled with and decoupled
from a base 10 as shown in FIG. 28b and the input module may be included
in a wired type interface 740 which can be connected with the wire to the
base as shown in FIG. 28c, or the input module may be included in a
wireless type interface 760 which can be wirelessly connected to the base
providing a display unit 600 as shown in FIG. 20d.

[0194] In this case, each of the interfaces further includes a wired or
wireless transmitting and receiving unit which transmits and receives an
input command of a data assigned to a corresponding input to and from a
base 10 of a connected device when the input is made, and may include a
function key or one or more side keys at a predetermined position so that
the input is performed.

[0195] Here, any one or more among the holding type interface 700, the
detachable type interface 720, the wired type interface 740, or the
wireless type interface 760 may be used as a menu window controller
adjusting an input menu window 660. In this case, the menu window
controller may be provided so as to perform controls of the input menu
window or a variety of operations such as or pointing, search, enlarge
view, shrink view, modify, start, stop, and move of data in the input
menu window.

[0196] Any one or more interfaces among the above-mentioned interface may
further include one or more display units 600. Here, the display units
may be provided as separation sensing units 300, touch sensing units 320,
or touch screens which senses a finger contact in this case, the display
units may display one or more data display segments 620, or any one or
more interfaces among each of the interfaces may enable a designated
input recognition means to be operated in response to contact made when
an input selection is made. Here, although the input recognition means
may include a designated sound, vibration, etc., the input according to
the invention is not limited thereto.

Fifth Embodiment

[0197] A data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs 150 according
to a fifth embodiment of the invention includes an input module 100 in
which a pair alternating input is performed within a contact area of a
finger 102 provided in a predetermined position of a base 10 of an
electronic device and an input signal corresponding to the pair
alternating input is generated, and a control unit 400 which judges the
input signal at the pair alternating input and processes an input command
assigned to the corresponding input.

[0198] Here, as shown in FIGS. 10d and 11c, the pair alternating input
according to the invention is performed in such a way that the input
module provides a number of A-B type separation pairs 150 which are
disposed by each one pair along a separation reference line 106 as an
array of A-B separated indication positions 152 in which a number of A
separated indication positions 132 in the A separated segment and a
number of B separated indication positions 142 in the B separated segment
are separated from and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type
based on the separation reference line 106, in the two sides, that is,
the A separated segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 which are
ambilaterally divided from the separation reference line based on the
separation reference line 106 passing through a separation reference
point 104 within a contact area of a finger 102 of the input module 100,
and the A separated indication position 132 and the B separated
indication position 142 of the A-B separated indication position 152 of
any one pair among the separation pairs 150 are continuously selected in
a sequential manner, or, conversely, the B separated indication position
132 and the A separated indication position 132 are continuously selected
in a sequential manner, so that new data different from the data assigned
to the corresponding separated indication positions A1, B1, A2, B2, etc.
is inputted.

[0199] Here, when the pair alternating input is made, a finger positioned
in the middle of an input reference block 124 as shown in FIG. 10a
continuously presses the A separated indication position 132 and the B
separated indication position 142 in a sequential manner as shown in FIG.
10d, so that new data different from the data assigned to the A separated
indication position 132 and the B separated indication position 142 is
inputted.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 15a, the pair alternating input according to the
invention is performed in such a way that the input module provides three
A-B type separation pairs 150 A1-B1, A2-B2, and A3-B3 which are disposed
by each one pair along the separation reference line 105 as an array of
A-B separated indication positions 152 in which three A separated
indication positions 132 in the A separated segment and three B separated
indication positions 142 in the B separated segment are separated from
and corresponded each other as a face-to-face type based on the
separation reference line 106, in the two sides, that is, the A separated
segment 130 and the B separated segment 140 which are ambilaterally
divided from the separation reference line based on the separation
reference line 106 passing through the separation reference point 104
within a contact area of a finger 102 of the input module 100, and the A
separated indication position 132 and the B separated indication position
142 of the A-B separated indication position 152 of any one pair among
the separation pairs 150 are continuously selected in a sequential
manner, or, conversely, the B separated indication position 142 and the A
separated indication position 132 are continuously selected in a
sequential manner, so that new data different from the data assigned to
the corresponding separated indication positions A1, B1, A2, B2, A3, and
B3 is inputted. Here, the separation pairs are provided in the input
reference block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs are
continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around
the separation reference point 104, and an input signal by means of a
continuous and sequential selection to the A separation indicated
position 132 and the B separated indication position 142 as well as
another input signal by means of a continuous and sequential selection to
the B separated indication position 142 and the A separated indication
position 132 at the A-B separated indication position 152 of the one
pair, that is, two input signals generated by means of the order of
alternating input are processed of input as the data that are assigned
differently from each other

[0201] In addition, when a fingertip is put on the input reference block
124, the total input selecting positions corresponding to the three A-B
type separation pairs 150 are recognized as an A-B type based on the
middle of the input reference block 124.

[0202] For example, as shown in FIG. 15a, in case that the pair
alternating input is performed at the A2 separated indication position
and the B2 separated indication position based on the middle of the input
reference block 124, when the forward middle position and the backward
middle position recognized based on the middle of the input reference
block 124 are continuously selected in a sequential manner ({circle
around (1)}→{circle around (2)}), so that new data different from
the data assigned to the forward middle position A2 separated indication
position and the backward middle position B2 separated indication
position is processed of input, and then the pair alternating input is
performed.

[0203] In other words, referring to FIGS. 15a and 16c, when the A2
separated indication position and the B2 separated indication position at
the middle separation pair A2-B2 recognized based on the middle of the
input reference block 124 are continuously selected in a sequential
manner and then the pair alternating input is performed, new data "D42"
is inputted instead of "D2" or "D5" assigned to each of the separated
indication positions.

[0204] Conversely, referring to FIGS. 15b and 16c, when the B2 separated
indication position and the A2 separated indication position at the
middle separation pair A2-B2 are continuously selected in a sequential
manner and then the pair alternating input is performed, new data "D45"
is inputted instead of "D5" or assigned to each of the separated
indication positions.

[0205] Accordingly, a new different data "D42" or "D45" is inputted, based
on the order of the continuous inputs when the input selection is made at
the middle separation pair (A2-B2).

[0206] In the input module 100 according to the invention, even when one
or more A-B type separation pairs 150 is further disposed outside the
input reference block 124 as shown in FIG. 15c, the input selecting
position of each of the separated indication positions 110 of the
separation pairs outside input reference block 124 is recognized as each
A-B type selecting position of the left or the right of the input
reference block based on the input reference block 124 on which a finger
is positioned, and each of the A-B type selecting positions is recognized
as a forward-backward type of the A separated segment direction and the B
separated segment direction based on the separation reference line 106,
so that the pair alternating input may be quickly performed.

[0207] In case of four A-B type separation pairs in which one A-B type
separation pair 150 is further disposed outside to the left or right of
the input reference block 124 in the input module 100, the input
reference block 124 may be a reference so that an input selecting
position of each of the input selecting positions 110 formed outside the
input reference block 124 is recognized to the corresponding selection
position.

[0208] For example, referring to FIG. 15c, the one very right separation
pair A4-B4 formed outside the input reference block 124 is recognized as
the right separation pair A4-B4 of the input reference block based on the
input reference block 124.

[0209] In this example, as shown in FIG. 15c, in case that the pair
alternating input is performed at the very right separation pair A4-B4,
which is recognized based on the input reference block 124, among the
four A-B type separation pairs 150 in the input module 100, when a
position separated farther to the right from the right edge of the input
reference block is imaginarily selected, the very right separation pair
(A4-B4) of the input reference block is selected, so that the input can
be easily and quickly performed by means of an input operation selecting
the very backward right position (B4 separated indication position) and
the very forward right position (A4 separated indication position) of the
input reference block in an input operation by means of a sequential and
continuous selection ({circle around (1)}→{circle around (2)}).

[0210] In this case, the control unit can distinguish between the
corresponding input signals from two continuous signals sequentially
generated when the pair alternating input is made and two signals
simultaneously generated when the above-mentioned pair input is made, and
then process the input as a pair alternating input or a pair input.

[0211] For example, when a pressure sensor is included in a separation
sensing unit 300 corresponding to the input reference black 124, the pair
alternating input and the pair input may be distinguished from each other
and processed based on a difference between preset pressure values of the
pressure sensor. That is, in case that the A separated indication
position and the B separated indication position, or the B separated
indication position and the A separated indication position of the
separation pair 150 continuously make contact with the pressure sensor of
the separation sensing unit in inputting order of the inputs, the pair
alternating input is judged and the data assigned to the input is
inputted when a pressure vale by means of continuous contact between the
A separated indication position and the B separated indication position,
or the B separated indication position and the A separated indication
position is less than 1 to 3, while the pair input is judged and the data
assigned to the input is inputted when the pressure vale by means of
continuous contact is more than 3.

[0212] Alternatively, the pair alternating input and the pair input may be
distinguished from each other and processed based on a preset time value
in the control unit. That is, in case that the A separated indication
position and the B separated indication position, or the B separated
indication position and the A separated indication position of the
separation pairs 150 continuously make contact with a sensing sensor of
the separation sensing unit 300 in inputting order of the inputs, the
pair input is judged and the data assigned to the input is inputted when
a time difference between signals generated when the A separated
indication position and the B separated indication position, or the B
separated indication position and the A separated indication position
make contact with the sensor is within the preset time value, while the
pair alternating input is judged and the data assigned to the input is
inputted when the time difference exceeds the preset time value. Here, a
reference of the preset time value may be determined as 0.2 seconds, or
through consideration of a typical time difference between continuous
contacts.

[0213] Besides, the pair alternating input and the separation input may be
distinguished from each other and processed based on a preset time value
in the control unit. That is, in case that the A separated indication
position and the B separated indication position, or the B separated
indication position and the A separated indication position in a single
separation pair 150 continuously make contact with the sensing sensor of
the separation sensing unit 300 in inputting order of the inputs, an
one-time pair alternating input is judged and the data assigned to the
input is inputted when the time difference between signals generated when
the A separated indication position and the B separated indication
position, or the B separated indication position and the A separated
indication position continuously make contact with the sensor is within
the preset time value, while each continuous separation input is judged
and the data assigned to each of the inputs is inputted when the time
difference exceeds the preset time value. Here, a reference of the preset
time value may be determined as 0.3 seconds, or through consideration of
a typical time difference between continuous contacts.

[0214] When any one separated indication position 110 among the A-B
separated indication positions 152 of the three A-B type separation pairs
disposed in the input reference block 124 is continuously selected twice
and then two continuous signals are generated, the control unit may judge
input signals based on the two continuous signals and then process the
corresponding inputs as a double input in the separation input, that is,
a multi-step input. Here, the preset time value may be applied to process
the input signals, or other various methods may be used.

Sixth Embodiment

[0215] An input module 100 according to the invention may be provided so
that continuous signals of two or more times are generated due to a
strength difference between applied pressures when a separation input is
made, and thus, multi-step inputs of two or more steps cart be performed.
Here, a separation sensing unit 300 including an elastic member 240 which
responds step-by-step according to the strength of pressure applied to
the input module 100 or a lower side of the input module may be provided.
Alternatively, another elastic member 240 which can make contact,
step-by-step, with each separated indication position 110 of three or
more type separation pairs may be designated as a variety of types at a
predetermined position of the input module 100.

[0216] In this case, the elastic member 240 may be provided so as to
include a conductive material generating a signal when contact is made,
or to be deformable according to types or input operations of the input
module 100. In addition, the separation sensing unit 300 may be provided
so that a variety of sensing sensors including a pressure sensor is
provided, and thus, multi-step signals of two or more steps may be
generated by means of the continuous signals of two or more times.

[0217] In the input module 100, when multi-step input signals of two or
more steps are generated by means of the continuous signals of two or
more times generated by means of a stepwise selection of two or more
steps at the separation input, a control unit 400 judges and determines a
multi-step input performed by means of the stepwise selection of two or
more steps based on the multi-step input signals of two or more times,
and then extracts new data different from the data assigned to each
separated indication position 110 of the input module 100 from a memory
unit based on the judged and determined multi-step input to process the
extracted data as a multi-step input.

[0218] For example, in the multi-step separation input in which the input
selection is divided into two steps pressing the position corresponding
to each of the separated indication positions 110 disposed in the input
reference block 124 of the input module 100, the control unit 400 may
judge whether a separation input in the second step is performed based on
a preset value of waiting time after a separation input in the first step
is made.

[0219] In this example, the control unit may immediately process the
separation input in the first step rather than waiting until the
separation input is judged based on the preset value of waiting time
after the separation input in the first step is made. That is, when the
separation input in the second step is performed within the preset value
of waiting time, the control unit immediately cancels the separation
input in the first step and changes the input into the separation input
in the second step, so that the input time may be prevented from being
delayed until the separation input is judged based on the preset value of
waiting time.

[0220] In case that the separation sensing unit 300 is provided as a
pressure sensor, an input may be judged based on a maximum pressure value
generated within the preset value of waiting time. That is, when the
control unit does not wait until the separation input is judged based on
the preset value, of waiting time and the separation input in the first
step is performed, the separation input is immediately processed, while,
when the separation input in the first step is released, the control unit
immediately cancels the separation input in the first step and processes
the separation input in the second step in case that a sensed value
corresponding to the separation input in the second step is further
sensed before the separation input in the first step is released.

[0221] In addition, in the multi-step separation input in which the input
selection is divided into two steps pressing the position corresponding
to each of the separated indication positions 110 disposed in the input
reference block 124 of the input module 100, the control unit 400 may
distinguish and judge between the separation input in the first step and
the separation input in the second step, based on a preset value of
sensing time of the separation sensing unit 300 which senses the input.

[0222] For example, the control unit 400 may judge the input as the
separation input in the first step when an input sensing time in the
separation sensing unit 300 is below 0.3 seconds, and also judge the
input as the separation input in the second step when the input sensing
time exceeds 0.3 seconds.

[0223] The control unit 400 may apply a method for processing the
multi-step input signals of two or more steps according to the multi-step
input to each multi-step input including a pair input or a separation
pair combining input except for the separation input, and process the
corresponding data as a multi-step input, such as a multi-step pair input
or a multi step separation pair combining input.

[0224] Likewise, the method for processing a multi-step input signal may
be applied to four or more A-B type separation pairs 150 provided in the
input module 100 according to the invention.

[0225] Besides, the input module 100 according to the invention may be
configured so that a data is assigned to each of the separated indication
positions 110 of the input reference block 124 in which three A-B type
separation pairs 150 are provided based on a separation reference point
104 which is a reference position and the separation reference line 106
passing through the separation reference point 104, as shown in FIG. 22.

[0226] FIG. 22a is an exemplary view illustrating a multi-step layer input
mode in which Hangeul consonants are respectively assigned and displayed
to each of the separated indication positions 110 of the three A-B type
separation pairs 150 disposed in the input reference block 124. Here, as
shown in FIG. 22a, in the multi-step layer input mode consisting of a
plurality of layer input modes among an input modes for inputting data,
function commands of one or more function keys 270 may be distinguished
from each other and be respectively assigned to multi-step layer input
modes 271, 272, and 273 without additional function keys.

[0227] In this case, the separation input, the pair input, and the
separation pair combining input may be performed in the multi-step layer
input modes 271, 272, and 273 based on the middle of the input reference
block 124.

[0228] In the separation pair combining input, a data different from each
other may be inputted according to the order of combination of the
separation input and the pair input, or identical data may be inputted
regardless of the order of combination. That is, identical characters may
be inputted by each of the separation pair combining inputs, that is the
pair input after the separation input or the separation input after the
pair input.

[0229] FIG. 22c is an exemplary view illustrating a multi-step layer input
mode in which the English alphabet is assigned and displayed to each of
the separated indication positions 110 of the three A-B type separation
pairs 150 disposed in the input reference block 124. Here, in the input
mode, function commands of one or more side keys 290 may be distinguished
from each other and be respectively assigned to the multi-step layer
input modes 271, 272, and 273, so that each of the inputs in the input
reference block 124 may be smoothly performed.

[0230] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, or FIG. 23, the input module may be
provided so that any one or more inputs among a separation input, a pair
input, or a separation pair combining input may be performed by both
hands based on the middle of the input reference block 124. Accordingly,
a data input capacity is more increased in the input module 100, and
users may perform data inputs in a variety of types.

[0231] For example, as shown in FIG. 23a, multi-step layer input modes are
displayed in such a way that Hangeul consonants, Hangeul vowels, and
numbers are respectively assigned to each of the separated indication
positions 110 of the three A-B type separation pairs 150 disposed in each
of the input reference blocks 124 of two input modules 100 and 100'.
Here, as shown in FIG. 23a, in the multi-step layer input modes
consisting of a plurality of layer input modes, function commands of one
or more function keys 270 and 270' may be distinguished from each other
and be respectively assigned to left multi-step layer input modes 271,
272, and 273 and right multi-step layer input modes 274 and 275 without
additional function keys.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 23b, multi-step layer input modes are displayed in
such a way that the English alphabet and various kinds of function keys
are respectively assigned to each of the separated indication positions
110 of the three A-B type separation pairs 150 disposed in each of the
input reference blocks 124 of the two input modules 100 and 100'. Here,
in the multi-step layer input modes, the function commands of one or more
side keys 290 may be distinguished from each other and be respectively
assigned to the multi-step layer input modes, so that each of the inputs
in the two input modules 100 and 100'' may be smoothly performed.

[0233] Accordingly, there is an advantage in which users can easily and
quickly perform a data input through multi-step layer input modes
provided in a variety of types, even in case of input characters having
more than fifty phonemes such as Chinese characters or Japanese
characters.

[0234] As shown in FIG. 18, in a direction indication input mode, the
input module 100 may perform a data input in such a way that any one or
more inputs among a separation input, a pair input, or a separation pair
combining input is performed in an individual or combined manner based on
the middle of an input reference block 124.

[0235] For example, as shown in FIG. 18a, each of the direction indication
functions is assigned to a left-middle-right type of separation pair
which is recognized as a left-middle-right type of A-B selecting position
based on the middle of the input reference block 124 in the input module
100, so that input commands of four directional movements may be
performed.

[0236] In other words, based on the middle of the input reference block
124, the input command of move left () is performed when the left
position corresponding to the left separation pair A1-B1 is selected by a
pair input, the input command of move forward (↑) is performed when
the forward middle position corresponding to A2 separated indication
position of the middle separation pair A2-B2 is selected by a separation
input, the input command of move backward (↓) is performed when
the backward middle position corresponding to B2 separated indication
position of the middle separation pair A2-B2 is selected by a separation
input, and the input command of move right (→) is performed when
the right position corresponding to the right separation pair A3-B3 is
selected by a pair input.

[0237] In addition, when other four directions are further provided to the
four directions, movements according to direction indications more than
the four directions may be further performed. That is, as shown in FIG.
18b, based on the middle of the input reference block 124, the input
command of move forward and left diagonally () is further performed when
the forward left position corresponding to A1 separated indication
position of the left separation pair A1-B1 is selected by a separation
input, the input command of move backward and left diagonally () is
further performed when the backward left position corresponding to B1
separated indication position of the left separation pair A1-B1 is
selected by a separation input, the input command of move forward and
right diagonally () is further performed when the forward right position
corresponding to A3 separated indication position of the right separation
pair A3-B3 is selected by a separation input, and the input command of
move backward and right diagonally () is further performed when the
backward right position corresponding to B3 separated indication position
of the right separation pair A3-B3 is selected by a separation input.

[0238] For another example, in the direction indication input mode, the
input module 100 is provided so that the multi-step input of two-times
continuous selections can be performed by a separation input or a pair
input based on the middle of the input reference block 124, so that a
variety of data inputs may be performed.

[0239] That is, as shown in FIG. 18c or 18d, the input commands of four
directions as shown in FIG. 18a or eight directions as shown in FIG. 18b
may be applied to the multi-step input of two-times continuous selections
in which the input is performed based on the middle of the input
reference block 124.

[0240] Here, in the direction indication input mode as shown in FIG. 18c
or 18d, when an input of one-time selection may be displayed as a thin
arrow in each of the drawings, and a multi-step input of two-time
continuous selection may be displayed as a thick arrow in each of the
drawings. That during the input of one-time selection (thin arrow), when
movement is made to the arrow direction assigned to each of the inputs,
the input of one-time selection is converted into the multi-step input of
two-times continuous selections (thick arrow), so that a movement speed
may be gradually increased or an acceleration and a sudden acceleration
may be performed in addition, the direction may be changed by the input
of one-time selection in the multi-step input of two-times continuous
selections, or by the input of one-time selection and the multi-step
input, of two-times continuous selections performed in random order.

[0241] Furthermore, in the two or more input modules according to the
invention, even when one or more A-B type separation pairs is further
disposed outside the input reference block 124 of each of the input
modules, each of the input selecting positions of the separation pair
disposed outside the input reference block 124 is recognized as each A-B
type selecting position of the left or right of the input reference block
based on the input reference block 124 in which a finger is positioned,
so each of the inputs or a multi-step input of two or more steps may be
quickly performed.

Seventh Embodiment

[0242] Besides, a data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs 150
according to the invention may include one or more side keys 290 outside
an input module 100 or at a predetermined position of a base 10.

[0243] The side keys 290 may be function keys 270 which perform a mode
conversion, a menu window conversion, a screen conversion, etc.

[0244] For example, referring to FIG. 22 or 23, when characters are
inputted, a Hangeul input mode is converted into a number input mode and
the number input mode is converted into an English alphabet input mode,
and an input is performed by means of each function command.

[0245] The side keys 290 may be provided as a type of a function keys 270
when the keys are designated at a predetermined position of the base 10
or the input module 100.

[0246] The side keys 290 may provide a touch sensor 320 which senses a
finger contact.

[0247] In case that the side keys provide a touch sensor, when a finger
contact is sensed in the touch sensor longer than a predetermined time, a
control unit 400 may process a touch input signal as invalid from the
signal sensed in the touch sensor.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 10, the touch sensor 320 is wholly or partially
provided at the upper side of the input module 100 or an input unit 200,
and responds to a finger input selection of each separated indication
position 110 and then generates an input signal assigned to the input or
the corresponding separated indication position. Here, as shown in FIG.
10f, an input contact region 212 may be an input selecting position in
which a finger touch is implemented.

Eighth Embodiment

[0249] As shown FIGS. 24b to 24c or FIGS. 25b to 25d, two or more input
modules according to the invention may be provided at a predetermined
position of a base 10. Here, each of the input modules may perform a
variety of data inputs including the above-mentioned separation input,
pair input, or separation pair combining input.

[0250] For example, FIG. 24c is an exemplary view illustrating a tablet
type terminal 34 which provides two input modules 100 and 100' at a base
10 so as to perform an input. FIG. 24b is also an exemplary view
illustrating a slide type terminal 32 which provides two input modules
100 and 100' at a base 10 so as to perform an input.

[0251] In these examples, the two input modules 100 and 100' may be
configured so as to perform one or more inputs including the separation
input, the pair input, or the separation pair combining input identically
with each other or differently from each other.

[0252] In other words, in the two input modules 100 and 100', the left
input module 100 may be configured so as to perform the separation input,
the pair input, or the separation pair combining input and the right
input module 100' may be configured so as to perform the separation
input, the pair input, the separation pair combining input, or the pair
alternating input.

[0253] In addition, the two input modules 100 and 100' may be configured
so that the number of separated indication positions 110 disposed in
separation pairs 120 of each of the input modules is identical with or
different from each other, and that a multi-step input by means of
two-times continuous selections can be performed in either side or both
sides of the two input modules 100 and 100'.

[0254] Here, the two input modules 100 and 100' may perform a data input
in such a way that, in each input mode, one or more function keys is
distinguished into and assigned to multi-step layers, so that a function
command of each function key may be performed by means of a multi-step
input of two or more steps without additional function keys, or that, in
each input mode, different functions are respectively assigned to any one
or more inputs among the separation input, the pair input, or the
separation pair combining input.

[0255] In case of a configuration as shown in FIG. 3c, input reference
blocks 124 may be respectively provided in the two input modules 100 and
100' based on a separation reference line 106 passing through each
separation reference point 104. In this case, the data assigned to each
separated indication position 110 of the three type separation pairs 150
based on the middle of each input reference block 124 may be configured
as shown in FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0256] For example, in the two input modules 100 and 100' provided at a
predetermined position of the base 10, Hangeul consonants and Hangeul
vowels may be respectively assigned and disposed to each separated
indication position 110 of the three A-B type separation pairs 150 of the
left input module 100 and the right input module 100'' based an the
separation reference line 106 passing through the separation reference
point 104, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0257] In the two input modules 100 and 100', other various data except
for the data shown in the drawings may be assigned, so that an input is
more smoothly performed.

[0258] For example, referring to FIG. 19, in the two input modules 100 and
100', functions that are different from each other may be respectively
assigned to any one or more inputs among the separation input, the pair
input, or the separation pair combining input, so that a data input is
performed.

[0259] The two input modules 100 and 100' may be configured so that
Hangeul character input is performed in the left input module 100, while
various kinds of function commands such as Enter, Space, Alt, Del, Ctrl,
direction indication, Conti, character conversion, back, Shift, Ins, Caps
lock, etc. are performed in the right input module 100'.

[0260] Alternatively, the two input modules 100 and 100' may be provided
so that a character input and various kinds of function commands are
configured and performed together.

[0262] As shown in FIG. 23, when the two input modules 100 and 100' are
configured so as to perform each input in multi-step layer input modes,
various kinds of function commands are further assigned to the input mode
including characters, numbers, direction indication, a special character,
a special symbol, etc., so that the data may be inputted.

[0263] The two input modules 100 and 100' may be configured so as to
include a function for converting to a mouse function mode. When the
conversion is made to the mouse function mode, an input including
functions of left and right mouse buttons, a scroll function, or a drag
function may be performed by means of the separation pair combining
input. In addition, when the conversion is made to the mouse function
mode, any one of the two input modules may be configured so as to perform
a pointer movement, and another one may be configured so as to perform a
function for operating pointer. However, the input according to the
invention is not limited thereto.

[0264] As shown in FIG. 21, in the two input modules 100 and 100', the
Japanese character, that is, hiragana may be assigned and disposed to
each separated indication positron 110 of the A-B type separation pairs
150 based on the separation reference line 106 passing through the
separation reference point 104.

[0265] In addition, in the two input modules 100 and 100' according to the
invention, even when one or more A-B type separation pairs 150 is further
disposed outside each input reference block 124 of the input modules 100
and 100', each of the input selecting positions of the separation pairs
disposed outside each of the input reference block 124 is recognized as
each A-B type selecting position of the left or right of the input
reference block based on the input reference block on which a finger is
positioned, so that each of the inputs is quickly performed.

[0266] Besides, as shown in FIG. 25d, in the data input device 1 according
to the invention, three input modules 100, 100', and 100'' may be
provided at a predetermined position of the base 10, and the three input
modules may be continuously and adjacently disposed.

[0267] Hare, each input reference block 124 of the three input modules
100, 100', and 100'' is provided in the central region in which each
separation reference point 104 of the three input modules 100, 100', and
100' is comprised, and when a finger is put on each input reference block
124, three A-B type separation pairs 150 which are continuously and
adjacently arranged may be recognized as one input block type.

[0268] The three input modules 100, 100', and 100'' may perform the
separation input, the pair input, or the separation pair combining input
in multi-step layer input modes consisting of a plurality of layer input
modes. In addition, in the multi step layer input modes, function
commands of one or more function keys may be distinguished from each
other and assigned to each of the layer input modes without an additional
function key.

[0269] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, or FIG. 9, in each input
reference block 124 of the input modules 100, 100', and 100'', the input
selecting position corresponding to each of the separated indication
positions 110 of the separation pairs 150 is recognized as a
left-middle-right type, a left middle-middle-right middle type, a forward
and backward left-forward and backward middle-forward and backward right
type, or a forward and backward left middle-forward and backward
middle-forward and backward right middle type of A-B type selecting
position based on the middle of each input reference block 124, so that
the data input may be individually or continuously performed in an easy
and quick manner by a short moving line of a finger and a familiar input
operation according to the position recognition.

Ninth Embodiment

[0270] In a data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs 150
according to the invention, a predetermined character is assigned to each
separated indication position 110 of the separation pairs 150, so that a
corresponding input may be performed.

[0271] Here, the character is one of data inputted to the input device
according to the invention, includes Hangeul, English, Japanese, Chinese,
at and represents any characters used in countries of the world.

[0272] In addition, the data according to invention represent information
or materials such as numbers, characters, symbols, a special symbol,
sound, pictures, images, etc. which can be inputted or outputted in
electronic devices or in interfaces of the electronic devices.

[0273] FIG. 17a is an exemplary view illustrating Hangeul assigned and
disposed to each separated indication position 110 of an input reference
block 124 in which three A-B type separation pairs 150 are continuously
and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type around a separation
reference point 104, in an input module 100 according to the invention.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 17a, an input operation of "" will be described as
an example of an input of Hangeul characters.

[0275] In a state in which each of the input selecting positions is
recognized as the position of a left-middle-right A-B type based on the
middle of the input reference block 124 as soon as a finger is put on the
input reference block 124 of the input module 100, "" is inputted by the
pair input selecting the A1-B1 separated indication position when the
position corresponding to the left separation pair ({circle around (1)})
is selected, "" is inputted by the separation pair combining input
sequentially combining the separation input which selects the A1
separated indication position and the pair input which selects the A2-B2
separated indication position when the position corresponding to the
forward left of the left separation pair and the position corresponding
to the middle separation pair ({circle around (2)}) are sequentially
inputted, "" is inputted by the separation input selecting the B2
separated indication position when the position corresponding to the
backward middle of the middle separation pair is selected, and "" is
inputted by the separation input selecting the A3 separated indication
position when the position corresponding to the forward right of the
right separation pair is selected, so that the character "" is inputted.

[0276] In the input module 100 according to the invention, a variety of
data are designated by means of any one or more inputs among the
above-mentioned separation input, pair input, separation pair combining
input, and pair alternating input, so that the input may be performed.

[0277] As shown in FIG. 17c, ten numbers may be assigned to each input and
be disposed as the A-B type separation pairs based on the middle of the
input reference block 124. That is, the numbers are disposed in such a
way that "1" and "2", "3" and "4", and "5" and "6" are respectively
assigned to the forward and backward left positions, the forward and
backward middle positions, and the forward and backward right positions
so as to be selected by the separation input, "7", "8", and "9" are
respectively assigned to the left position, the middle position, and the
right position so as to be selected by the pair input, and "0" is
assigned and disposed to the forward left position and the left position
so as to be selected by the separation pair combining input.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 17d, a function for indicating four directions may
be assigned to each of the inputs and disposed as an A-B type separation
pair based on the middle of the input reference block 124. That is,
direction indication symbols such as "↑" and "↓" are
respectively assigned to the forward and backward middle positions, so as
to be selected by the separation input, and direction indication symbols
such as "" and "→" are respectively assigned to the left
position and the right position so as to be selected by the pair input.

[0279] The input module 100 according to the invention may further include
one or more A-B type separation pairs 150 outside the input reference
block based on the input reference block 124, so that the number of data
inputs may be increased.

[0280] FIG. 17b is an exemplary view illustrating the English alphabet
assigned and disposed to each separated indication position 110 of the
input, reference block 124 in which the three A-B type separation pairs
150 are continuously and adjacently arranged as a left-middle-right type
around the separation reference point 104 which is a reference point of
the input module 100, in the input module 100 using the A-B type
separation pairs 150 according to the invention.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 17b, an input operation of "game" will be
described as an example of the input of English alphabet characters.

[0282] In a state in which each of the input selecting positions is
recognized as the position of a left-middle-right A-B type based on the
middle of the input reference block 124 as soon as a finger is put on the
input reference block 124 of the input module 100, "g" is inputted by the
pair input selecting an A1-B1 separated indication position when the
position corresponding to the left separation pair ({circle around (1)})
is selected, "a" is inputted by the separation input selecting the A1
separated indication position when the position corresponding to the
forward left of the left separation pair is selected, "m" is inputted by
the separation pair combining input sequentially combining the separation
input which selects the A3 separated indication position and the pair
input which selects the A3-B3 separated indication position when the
position corresponding to the forward right of the right separation pair
and the right separation pair ({circle around (3)}) are sequentially
inputted, and "e" is inputted by the separation input selecting the A3
separated indication position when the position corresponding to the
forward right of the right separation pair is selected, so that the
character "game" is inputted.

[0283] In addition, in the input module 100 according to the invention,
even when one or more A-B type separation pairs is further disposed
outside the input reference block 124, the input selecting position of
each separated indication position of the separation pairs disposed
outside the input reference block 124 is recognized as each A-B type
selecting position of the left or right of the input reference block
based on the input reference block 124 on which a finger is positioned,
so that the character input may be quickly performed.

[0284] Besides, the input module 100 according to the invention may be
provided so that any one or more among characters, numbers, symbols,
Enter, a mode conversion, or each function command are performed by the
separation input or the pair input. Here, each of the inputs may be
designated so as to perform a dialing/hang up function when a call mode
is operated.

[0285] For example, the input module 100 may perform a mouse function at
the three A-B type separation pairs 150 disposed based on the middle of
the input reference block 124 through each of the inputs.

[0286] In this case, in the mouse function mode, a pointer may be moved by
the separation input or the pair input.

[0287] That is, referring to FIG. 17d or 18a, in a state in which each of
the input selecting positions is recognized as the position of a
left-middle-right A-B type based on the middle of the input reference
block 124 as soon as a finger is put on the input reference block 124,
the pointer moves forward by the separation input selecting the A2
separated indication position when the forward middle position is
selected, the pointer moves backward by the separation input selecting
the B2 separated indication position when the backward middle position is
selected, the pointer moves left by the pair input selecting the A1-B1
separated indication position when the left position is selected, and the
pointer moves right by the pair input selecting the A3-B3 separated
indication position when the right position is selected.

[0288] In addition, the functions of left and right mouse buttons and the
scroll function may be performed in the mouse function mode by the
separation pair combining input.

[0289] That is, based on the middle of the input reference block 124, the
function of left mouse button may be performed by a selection of the left
separation pair A1-B1 and the function of right mouse button may be
performed by a selection of the right separation pair A3-B3, or the
scroll function may be performed by a selections of the middle separation
pair A2-B2, and the forward middle position (A2 separated indication
position) or the backward middle position (B2 separated indication
position).

[0290] In this case, based on the middle of the input reference block 124,
when any one separation pair 150 among the left, middle, and right
separation pairs of the input reference block is selected, and then any
one separated indication position 110 among the forward left, backward
left, forward middle, backward middle, forward right, and backward right
separated indication positions is continuously selected, a mouse drag
function may be performed toward the corresponding position.

[0291] Besides, when a multi-step input of two-or-more-times continuous
selections is performed during any one or more inputs among the
above-mentioned separation input, pair input, and separation pair
combining input based on the middle of the input reference block 124, the
input module 100 according to the invention may control speed
step-by-step, or perform an acceleration or deceleration function while
the mouse pointer is moved or the scroll function is performed.

[0292] For example, in a state in which any one or more inputs among the
separation input, pair input, and separation pair combining input are
performed based on the middle of the input reference block 124, any one
among input modes of Hangeul, number, English alphabet, hiragana, mouse
function, symbol, and special characters displayed in a mode menu window
660 is selected, so that the input may be performed.

[0293] Here, in a data display segment 620 of the input module 100, a data
assigned to each of the separated indication positions 110 may be
processed so as to be invisible and various kinds of the input modes
displayed in the menu window may be visible, or additional menu windows
which are apart from the data assigned to each of the separated
indication positions 110 may be respectively displayed.

[0294] In addition, in the data display segment, the assigned data and the
mode menu window may be alternately displayed in a whole or partial by a
semitransparent manner for a predetermined time, or be wholly or
partially displayed by a semitransparent manner according to a user
selection.

[0295] The input module 100 according to the invention includes a function
for converting to a joystick function mode, wherein when any one or more
inputs among the separation input, pair input, and separation pair
combining input based on the middle of the input reference block 124 is
converted into a joystick input mode and then is performed, any one or
more functions among a move of a game character or an avatar, an ascent
or descent to a designated direction while in motion of the game
character or the avatar, or a rotation or jump at a designated position
while in motion of the game character or the avatar may be individually
or combinedly performed.

[0296] Furthermore, in the input module 100, when any one or more inputs
among the separation input, pair input, and separation pair combining
input based on the middle of the input reference block 124 is performed
in a document mode, any one or more functions among move a document menu
window, drag a document menu window, move and search a document menu
window, enlarge and shrink a document menu window, drag a designated file
or folder, copy a whole or partial file content, pull a whole or partial
file content, move a graphic, object, enlarge or shrink a graphic object,
tilt a graphic object, or rotate a graphic object in a designated
position may be individually or combinedly performed.

[0297] In electronic devices or portable terminals to which the input
module 100 according to the invention is applied, a mouse function menu
window and a basic input menu window may be respectively displayed at a
predetermined position of the base 10 or the display unit 600 of the
terminals when the devices or terminals are powered on.

[0298] Here, the menu window may be provided so as to move to various
kinds of menu windows in which a character input or a number input is
included.

[0299] In this case, in the menu window 660, the mouse function menu
window may be displayed in a fixed manner, or the input mode menu window
may be displayed according to finger contact.

[0300] In addition, in the menu window, the basic input menu window may be
repeatedly displayed for a predetermined time, or various kinds of input
menu window may return to the basic input menu window according to a
finger contact or a designated signal.

[0301] Although any one or more windows among the menu windows may be
provided so as to call the mouse function menu window, to be called to a
randomly-designated input menu window, or to return to the basic input
menu window using a side key 290 of the electronic devices or portable
terminals, so that a data input is performed, and the input according to
the invention is not limited thereto.

[0302] Besides, an input module 100 or an input unit 200 according to the
invention includes a separation sensing unit 300 which senses an input
generated by an individual or continuous selection to one or more
separated indication positions 110 disposed in two sides, that is, an A
separated segment 130 and a B separated segment 140 which are
ambilaterally divided from a separation reference line based en the
separation reference line 106 passing through a separation reference
point 104.

[0303] In this case, the separation sensing unit 300 may be provided in a
variety of types so as to correspond to each input type, which includes a
separation input, a pair input, or a separation pair combining input,
within a contact area of a finger 102.

[0304] For example, referring to FIG. 10, the separation sensing unit, may
be provided as a pressure sensor which senses an input by an input
selection, or as a contact sensor which senses contact at a predetermined
position between a base 10 and the input module 100.

[0305] In addition, the separation sensing unit may be provided so as to
respond to a sequential input selection, so that signals of two or more
steps are distinguished from each other and generated step-by-step. Here,
the separation sensing unit may be provided so as to respond
step-by-step, to a strength difference between applied pressures by an
input selection.

[0306] Furthermore, when an input by an input selection is performed in an
input contact region 212 provided at the upper side of an input module
100 or an input unit 200, as shown in FIG. 7, or another input by an
input selection is performed at an input selecting segment 220 provided
to the input module 100 or the input unit 200, as shown in FIGS. 26a to
26e, a pressure sensor, a contact sensor, or a touch pad provided at a
lower side of the input contact region or the input unit 200 may be
configured as the separation sensing unit.

[0307] Here, the separation sensing unit 300 may be an elastic member 240
which returns using elasticity after making contact with a sensing sensor
by means of applied pressure between the base 10 and the input module 100
or the input unit 200, or a conductive elastic member 240 which is
repeatedly pressed and returns for itself. In this case, the elastic
member may be provided in a material which is wholly or partially
deformable by a predetermined elasticity coefficient so as to respond to
pressure in a vertical direction as well as in a diagonal direction
according to the input selection.

[0308] In addition, the separation sensing unit may be provided as a touch
pad or a touch screen which senses contact by an input selection of a
finger. Here, the touch screen may include a tactile sensor.

[0309] Furthermore, the separation sensing unit may be configured in a
variety of types so as to sense whole or partial displacement of a
finger.

[0310] The A and B separated segments in the input module 100 or the input
unit 200 may further provide various kinds of separation sensing units in
which a number of sensing sensors are further provided to each separated
indication position corresponding to each input selecting position or the
input selecting segment 220, or to a peripheral region of each separated
indication position, besides, the separation sensing unit may be provided
in a variety of types within a contact area of a finger 102, or be
configured so as to be deformable.

[0311] For example, referring to FIG. 10e, a number of sensing sensors 341
and 342 are disposed in an A separation sensing unit 340 making contact
with an A separated indication position 132 and a number of sensing
sensors 351 and 352 are also disposed in a B separation sensing unit 350
making contact with a B separated indication position 142, so that an
input signal by a contact of each input selection is generated.

[0312] Besides, in a data input device 1 using A-B type separation pairs
150 according to the invention, an input module 100 or an input unit 200
may be provided in various shapes.

[0313] FIGS. 26a to 26h are exemplary views illustrating various types of
the input modules 100 or the input units 200.

[0314] Here, the input module 100 or the input unit 200 may be provided so
that displacement of a finger or an input operation of a finger is easily
made in a contact state of the finger. In addition, although the input
module 100 or the input unit 200 may be formed in any one type among a
flat panel shape, a polygon, an oval, a hemisphere shape, a whole circle,
or a partial circle, or in a combining type of the one or more shapes
among the above-mentioned shapes, the input module 100 or the input unit
200 according to the invention is not limited thereto.

[0315] For example, as shown in FIG. 26a, the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 may be provided in a type including a flat panel, and each
of the forms may further include a separating groove, a separating line,
a separated protuberance, a protruding frame, etc.

[0316] That is, as shown in FIG. 26b, the input module 100 or the input
unit 200 may be provided in a type having the separating groove 230.

[0317] Also, as shown in FIG. 26c, the input module 100 or the input unit
200 may be provided in a type having the separating line 232.

[0318] In addition, as shown in FIG. 26d, the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 may be provided in a type having the separated
protuberance 234.

[0319] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26e, the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 may be provided in a type having the protruding frame 236.

[0320] Still furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26g, the input module 100 or
the input unit 200 may be provided in a type having a concave segment
280.

[0321] Still furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26h, the input module 100 or
the input unit 200 may be provided in an asymmetric concave stereoscopic
form including an asymmetric concave segment 282. However, the input
module 100 or an input surface 210 according to the invention is not
limited thereto.

[0322] Also, a variety of shapes of the input module 100 or the input unit
200 prevent a finger from slipping when an input selection or an input
operation is made, or enables users to hold or operate the data input
device more smoothly.

[0323] Besides, an input module 100 or an input unit 200 according to the
invention may be provided in a variety of materials including an elastic
or inelastic body.

[0324] For example, FIG. 27a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a case
in which the input module 100 or the input unit 200 is provided in an
inelastic material.

[0325] For another example, FIGS. 27b to 27e are cross-sectional views
illustrating various types of cases in which various forms of the input
modules 100 or the input units 200 are provided in an elastic material.

[0326] For example, as shown in FIG. 27b, the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 may be provided in a flat panel form of the elastic member
240 when being made of an elastic material.

[0327] Also, as shown in FIG. 27c, the input module 100 or the input unit
200 may be provided in an upper input surface 210 and a panel type of
lower elastic member 240 when the input surface and a lower side
corresponding to the input surface are formed of an elastic material.

[0328] In addition, as shown in FIG. 27d, the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 may be provided in the upper input surface 210 and a panel
type of the lower elastic member 240 when the input surface and the lower
corresponding to the input surface are formed of an elastic material.
Here, the input surface 210 may be ambilaterally divided into two sides
based on the middle of an input reference block 124, and be formed in a
concavely-inserted shape on the upper side of the elastic member.

[0329] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 27e, the input module 100 or the
input unit 200 may be provided in the upper input surface 210 and a panel
type of the lower elastic member 240 when the input surface and a lower
corresponding to the input surface are formed of an elastic material.
Here, the input surface 210 may be ambilaterally divided into two sides
based on the middle of the input reference block 124, and be formed in a
convexly-protruded shape on the upper side of the elastic member.

[0330] Besides, referring to FIG. 2, 24, 25, or 28, a base 10 of an input
device according to the invention may provide one or more display units.

[0331] Here, in case that the display unit is provided in one side of the
base 10, a control unit 400 may extract an input command of a data
corresponding to an input signal which is judged from a signal sensed
when each input is made, and then process an input so that the input
command is displayed on the display unit.

[0332] In this case, the display unit forming an input mode to input a
data may further include one or more data display segments 620 in which
data assigned to each separated indication position 110 of an input
module 100 is displayed, and a corresponding input content is displayed
according to an input selection or an input operation of a user or an
assigned data in the selected input mode is displayed.

[0333] Here, referring to FIGS. 17 to 23, the data display segment may
display a variety of data including characters, numbers, symbols, or
various function keys 270 which are respectively assigned to the
separated indication positions 110.

[0334] In addition, the data display segment may be displayed as various
kinds of input menu windows when an input mode is performed. Here, as
shown in FIG. 24, the one or more data display segments may be provided
so as to display assigned data. For example, as shown in FIG. 24a, the
two data display segments 620 may be respectively provided and displayed
in the display unit as a first data display segment 621, and at the base
10 near the input module 100 as a second data display segment 622.

[0335] Referring to FIGS. 18c to 18d, FIG. 22, or FIG. 23, a data display
segment 620 may be distinguished from each other by each layer and be
displayed, in multi-step layer input modes consisting of a plurality of
layer input modes. For example, referring to FIG. 23b, when the six data
display segments 620 and 620' are displayed as the multi-step layer input
modes, a first data display segment 621, a second data display segment
622, a third data display segment 623, a fourth data display segment 624,
a fifth data display segment 625, and a sixth data display segment 626
are distinguished from each other by each layer and respectively
displayed in a first layer input mode, a second layer input mode, a third
layer input mode, a fourth layer input mode, a fifth layer input mode,
and a sixth layer input mode.

[0336] The data display segment 620 may be outputted as one or more menu
windows 660. In other words, referring to FIG. 23b, the data display
segments 620 and 620' outputted as six steps may be six menu windows, and
the menu windows may be displayed in a form of a multi-step layer input
mode of the data display segment.

[0337] For example, when the menu window is outputted in a form of the
multi-step layer input mode, the data assigned characters, numbers, and
symbols are distinguished from each other by layer and respectively
displayed in the first layer menu window 621, the second layer menu
window 622, and the third layer menu window 623.

[0338] In addition, in the third layer menu window 623, the menu windows
being used may be displayed on a screen, and other menu windows may be
wholly or partially displayed in a semitransparent manner.

[0339] Referring to FIG. 23, when two input modules 100 and 100' are
provided to a predetermined position of the base 10, the menu window
outputted as a plurality of layers may be configured in various forms of
input modes. For example, the input modules 100 and 100' may be
configured so that functions of a menu window in the one input module and
a menu window in the other input module are connected with each other,
and thus, a data in an identical input mode may be displayed in a divided
manner, or Hangeul and the English alphabet are distinguished from each
other and respectively displayed on the one menu window and the other
menu window. Here, a method for inputting each character in the
above-mentioned character input may be applied so as to operate each of
the menu windows.

[0340] In addition, the data display segment 620 may be displayed in the
display unit or at a designated position of the input module 100 or the
input unit 200, or be displayed based on a position in which a contact
signal is generated by a finger contact at the time of input selection.
Here, a separation sensing unit 300 corresponding to the input selection
may be provided as a touch pad or a touch screen sensing a finger
contact.

[0341] Accordingly, in the input module or the input unit, when the menu
window is outputted in a form of a plurality of layers, the menu window
may be configured in various forms of input modes.

[0342] In an input module 100 or an input unit 200 according to the
invention, an input is performed by a finger, or a variety of input means
including a pen or a stylus may be used.

[0343] Besides, an input module 100 according to the invention may be
applied to electronic devices or interfaces of electronic devices as a
variety of forms.

[0344] For example, the input module may be applied to a configuration of
an all-in-one type terminal 20 as shown in FIG. 25a or 30 as shown in
FIG. 25b, a slide type terminal 22 as shown in FIG. 24a or 32 as shown in
FIG. 24b and FIGS. 25c to 25d, a detachable type terminal as shown in
FIG. 2., etc. In addition, two input modules 100 and 100' may be provided
as shown in FIGS. 24b to 24c, FIGS. 25b to 25c, FIGS. 28a to 201D, etc.,
or three input modules 100, 100', and 100'' may be provided as shown in
FIG. 25d. These input modules may be applied to portable terminals as
well as fixed type electronic devices or interfaces of electronic devices
in a variety of forms.

[0345] Here, the input module may include an input unit 200 in which any
one or more inputs among a separation input, a pair input, or a
separation pair combining input is individually or continuously performed
and a separation sensing unit 300 which senses each input of the input
unit.

[0346] Besides, referring to FIG. 25f, an input module 100 or an input
unit 200 may further include a support 250 penetrating a separation
reference point 104. Here, the support may be provided in a form which is
protruded outward or dented inward in the input module 100 or the input
unit 200.

[0347] In this case, the support 250 may be provided in an elastic member
240, and include a predetermined elasticity coefficient so that an input
operation or displacement of a finger is smoothly performed when an input
is made. Here, the support may perform a return function which enables
the input module 100 or the input unit 200 to return to an original state
after the input is performed.

[0348] In addition, when the elastic member 240 may be provided in a
conductive material, the support 250 may generate a designated signal by
an input selection.

[0349] In each of the terminals, as shown in FIG. 28, a predetermined
function key 270 may be provided to one side of a base 10. Here, the
function key may be provided so as to easily input, a variety of input
commands, or a mode conversion such as an input conversion, a menu window
conversion, screen conversion, etc.

[0350] As described above, although preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described through the detailed disclosure of the invention, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications
and applications may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not limited to the
above-described embodiments, but is defined by the appended claims and
their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0351] The invention relates to a data input device and method, wherein
the data input device according to the invention provides an input module
consisting of a number of separation pairs, and the input module includes
a number of A separated indication positions and a number of B separated
indication positions which are disposed as each A-B type based on a
predetermined separation reference line, in two sides, that is, an A
separated segment and a B separated segment which are ambilaterally
divided based on the separation reference line, so that a data input is
individually or continuously performed by means of an input selection to
the one or more separated indication positions, and thus, the invention
may be applicable to electronic devices or portable terminals.